Making your own decals

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Two part question. [?]

  1. What is the word on the Testors custom decal system?
  2. In printing your own decals how do you determine the scale prior to printing so the size is correct?

Thanks for looking!!! [:D][:D][:D][:D]

Richard

2

Hi Richard,

Can’t comment on the Testor’s system, I use the Micro-Mark decal paper and Future Floor wax to seal them in.

With regards to scaling, I simply fiddle with it until I have the right size I like, I’ll cut and copy several sizes of the artwork into a single JPG file, then print them on regular paper first…then I match 'em up to the model and see how they scale. Then I erase the various sizes, copy and paste the size I want, then run the decal paper through the printer.

Jeff

3

27-02-04
Hey Jeff:
What is the Micro-Mark Decal system? I have been thinking of printing some custom decals for future builds, but have been a bit wary regards to quality etc…
Any advice?
Liam

4

It’s decal paper made especially for ink-jet printers. It has a flat textured surface, to allow the inks to adhere…you simply spray with a clear coat after they’re printed and cut the decals out, and apply.

www.micro-mark.com

Click on decalling, painting and weathering, it’ll give you the info. They’re a great company to deal with…

Jeff

5

What about white can you print white on a typicle ink jet. I have the Epson 800, it is around four years old at this point.

Thanks.

6

Jim,
You can’t print white because there is no white ink in most printers (ALPS are an exception). You have to print on a white decal sheet (micro mark makes those too). Of course, you then have to cut out the decal right where you want the image or you have excess white. I know guys who will print the decal on clear leaving a clear space where the white goes and then either paint the appropriate spot on the model before applying the decal or cut an appropriate size from a sheet of white decal paper and apply it first.
As for the Testors decal set. A guy on a different thread advised me that it wasn’t very effective but I have not tried it myself.

7

I’ve been playing with the Testors set for a week now and am pretty impressed.

8

Did you pay for the upgrade Swanny?

9

This is a subject that has fascinated me (almost to the point of actually trying it!). If I print my design with an inkjet printer, and seal them with a clear acrylic spray before I soak in water and apply , is the acrylic spray sufficient to protect the water-based inkjet ink? And, will they work with “decal set” the way regular decals do?

10

Gott try me some inkjet-printed decals. All I’ve done to date is hand-painted stuff and it’s a PITA! [:p]

Fun, tho…

Fade to Black…

11

No, just played with defeating the programs ability to stop me from importing stuff, once that was done …

12

I checked out the Micro Mark web site and found the decal paper. Can the white laser paper be used effectively in an ink jet printer?

Richard

13

I don’t think so Richard…I think they are pretty specific. Another option is Bare Metal Foil decal paper-- I have used it with much success-- and they have clear and white for ink-jet and for laser printers as well…

14

Hello, I am new to this forum but have years of experience in model building as a hobby and as a professionalmodel maker. I’ve used the micro mart decal paper to make decals for many prototype models at work. Not being able to print white is a problem and definatly limits what you can do. I have found that by spraying the paper with krylon matte finish and sealing with krylon crystal clear I get better results. To the original question, I have never tried the testors system. To scale a decal is simple. Just measure the original and measure your copy. Now all you have to do is divide the two and this will give you a ratio to scale your decal by. This way you don’t have to guess. Just print a test sheet first.
John

15

For you guys that have the Testors deal I have two questions. First, is it possible to get that program to print out legible text in 1/48 scale? I want to put my name on the canopy rails of my Monogram Hornet, so it needs to be small but at the same time readable. Also, is there a way to send other images (squadron emblems, markings, etc. not included in the program) to that screen? I got it for around 6 bucks at Hobby Lobby but haven’t had much time to play with it.

16

No, the ink beads up and runs off and gunks up your printer. Micro-Mark sells inkjet-specific decal paper that works fine. You need to also buy their clear laquer sealer to keep the ink from dissolving in water.

17

I don’t know about the acrylic, but Micro-Mark sells a clear laquer spray specifically made as a sealer for their inkjet decal paper.

18

I use Future, and as long as it has time to dry completely, I’ve never had problems with it. I would imagine Dull-Cote would work just as well.

J

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Still more questions[?][?][?]

  1. jfrejo - can you use matte white on the decal paper prior to printing to get the white background [%-)]

  2. Swanny how do you import pictures I have been trying but can’t[banghead]

Thanks to all for the inputs [bow][bow][bow][bow][bow]

Richard

20

Richard,

Micro-Mark sells WHITE decal paper for inkjet printers…Worst case (and this is what I do) when I need a partial white packground, I’ll simply use a scrap from a previous white sheet, cut the shape I need, lay it down on the model, then lay the clear decal over the top.

Jeff