Printing decals

I suppose I will try to kick myself in an inaccessible place because I should have figured out the answer for myself, but ---. If I wish to print only a few decals (inkjet) how do I place them on a full sheet of decal paper so that I can later print more on the remaining part of the sheet without confounding my printer? Ken

 

What program are you using to create the decals? Word? Photoshop? etc...?

 

I have Photoshop LE and am fair at using it and I have a Testor's program called Sure Thing Decal Maker which I have not used beyond fiddling with it for a tutorial. Is the trick going to depend on the software ? Ken

 

Ken:

I have not figured that one out, yet. For me, once the decal sheet goes through the printer, that is it for that decal sheet. For that reason, I try to fill the sheet up before I print. This does delay some projects.

Maybe some others have a better idea.

 

There may be a way to place the decals toward the bottom of the printable area so that I can cut off the raggedy part and run the remainder through the printer a second (third ?) time. I am hoping somebody has found a really slick way to do that. Print preview shows me where the stuff is, but doesn't help me move it to the best spot.

Ken

 

I had read somewhere that you can print out a test sheet and see how big your decal will be. Then you cut a piece of decal paper big enough to cover the decal and tape the edges down to the test peice of paper. Put the paper back through the printer and reprint your decal.

I have not tried this myself so I don't know if it will work. I suspect it will work with some printers and not others depending on the feeding mechanisms.

Eric

 

I would suggest the taping down method before running a "raggedy" piece thru the printer. But use a full sheet of paper! That way you can run the test sheet thru, then tape the piece down right over the top to ensure placement.

 

There you go!

 

I do it all the time when I want to optimize expensive paper. There are two methods.

1. Place the artwork on screen so that it prints out on the leading edge of your paper. Test it by printing on bond and watch it come out. After printing on the decal paper, use a paper cutter or straight edge and razor, cut the end of the paper straight across just past the artwork. The leftover paper can be run again as long as the next artwork is smaller than the left over piece.

Other method:
2. Select Page Setup in your program. Select 4x6 as your size. Cut your decal paper into 4 pieces. When you print, select 4x6 as your paper. Even though your actual paper is slightly different (4.25 x 5.5) it should print.

Barry

 

Okay, bachin, et. al., these are all good techniques that I did not know about.

But further...is there any kind of ink jet paper feed that is bad for this? Is Hewlett Packard, Epson, Lexmark, etc. particularly better adapted for printing decals than any other brand?

Thanks.

 

Bachin may have hit on a solution worth trying. I was thinking only of cutting off the trailing edge of the decal paper. As long as it's cut square, cutting the leading edge should work. There are several ideas here, but this one appeals to me. Thanks to all.

Given the amount of cash invested overall, the need to save half a sheet of decal paper seems absurd. But, the way I was raised - - - - - - -

Ken

 

Later: Bachin also suggests cutting the decal paper into quarters! That also would allieviate the problem of sending a whole sheet of decal paper thought the printer when less (!) would do. Ken

 

The discussion here has been mostly about paper, but my problem is with the water soluble inkjet printer ink.

How do y'all seal a decal printed by an inkjet printer so that it doesn't smear when it's soaked in water for the transfer? I've tried several different spray-on products, but the water always seems to seep under the seal and smear the decal ink.

 

I have not tried this, but I think they use a fixative. Testor's Dullcote is the first thing that comes to mind.

Also, I haven't searched, but there are other threads on this.

 

Mike, that's a possibility that I haven't tried. What printer are you using?

I heard that the Alps 5000 used a different kind of ink that was not water soluble, but it hasn't been produced for many years now. Also, I believe the Alps 5000 offered a white ink option, which I haven't heard of on any of today's printers.

Are there any printers currently on the market that do not use water soluble inks?

 

The smearing problem is caused by non-use of any of the decal products designed to #1 hold the inks and #2 provide a topcoat. Testors sells this in a rattlecan, and I've seen it in brush-on form as well.

Had the same problem on my 1st and 2nd attempts when I didn't use it - used the Testors stuff (decal paper and spray stuff "fixative") and good results... dipped the decal for 10 seconds, then sit out for about a minute to loosen, then slide onto project piece

I use an HP officejet... normal printer. I use the glossy paper setting for the decals... and they came out OK. The back side DOES hold back the water some...I'm sure if you soak it, it may still bleed eventually.

[ June 08, 2005, 03:08 PM: Message edited by: nscale_lover ]

 

Testors - Good recommendation, thanks. I'll look for some and try it.