First, yes I’ve read a lot about this topic, and yes, I’ve read through the forums. I haven’t done an EXHAUSTIVE search, but pretty much everything I’ve seen is showing me that folks are using inkjet printers.
My questions are specifically:
Do any of you have direct experience printing and using LASER printed decals?
Anyone have experience with BOTH that can share pros/cons/etc.?
From what I’ve read, laser printed decals don’t need to be sealed and are often sharper. I’m typically a 1:72 scale modeler, so I’m looking at tiny decals, I like the dry toner idea. Plus, I own a color laser printer already! (I own an inkjet as well, but it uses 24" wide paper…) Anyway, anyone have experience and a willingness to share?
I’ve used both and had good results either way. I used to own an $ 11,000 Canon laser printer in my business, before everything became virtual. It made fine decals, with good color correctness.
I currently own a $ 500 Brother multi-function machine. I’m not as keen on the quality but if I spend a little effort setting it up, it works great.
You definitely want to seal the decals in either case. The trick I find with the ink jet is to let the decals dry before sealing for a long time, like a week.
I have made both laser printer and inkjet printer decals. I have a good quality inkjet, a cheap laser, so the inkjet does better quality than the laser. However, you don’t need to wait nearly as long for the laser stuff before sealing. I usually can get by waiting four days for inkjet if I am careful sealing- a quick first coat and then a second, heavier coat about a half hour later.