WATER PROBLEMS

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Once more, about this inkjet decal printing…

I’m using Expert’s Choice paper, which I got from my favorite hobby shop. The printer is an HP deskjet 640C. I’ve had good luck with resolution, but when I dunk the decals in the water, the bloody ink slides right out from under the topcoat. I tried the Micro decal film, clear laquer, and Future before it dawned on me that the water damage was coming from the PAPER side, not from the INK side! D’OH!

A buddy at the hobby shop said laser jet printers are supposed to be more waterproof, but I haven’t been able to confirm that.

Any suggestions?

Oh, yeah: It’s a B-17F-95-BO from the 390th BG. I’m building it for the grandson of the bombradier. The Academy kit needs considerable updating; I should have started with a G and converted backwards! The Academy kit has also been quite disappointing as to fit and flash.

Wess Rodgers
Albuquerque, NM
wrodgers@spinn.net

2

Wess,

Could it be that there wasn’t enough time for the ink to cure prior to applying a top coat?

Good luck[:D]

Richard

3

Hmmm… I was excited and in a hurry to see how it would look on the model. It’s been laying there for a month or more. I’ll go try it right now! Thanks!

Wess

4

OH, HO!! RICHARD! YOU DA MAN!

Jeeze. I don’t believe it. What was the very, VERY first rule I learned in modelling? DON’T RUSH IT! Yep. Letting the ink cure for a while did the trick.

5

Wess,

I am glad that it was something that easy[^] I have the same problem of wanting to rush things at times [xx(] and doing it a second or third time shows me why[8D] When you are all done post a photo[:D]

BTW I noticed First Sergeant on your signature. Are you at Holliman?

Richard