Guess the title says it all. Interested in making some decals. They would be just black lettering and numbers but I really don't even know where to start so looking for some of that great TrainBoard info and tips. They can be made on standard ink jet printer, right? What decal film/paper do you all recommend for ink jet? Any special instruction for the printing or is it load the media and print? Once printed, is there a recommended drying time? Do you seal them with anything once printed but before use? I would guess once all done, they apply the same way as say MicroScale decals are applied? Then Pretty much the same group of questions as above but for a laser printer? Is that doable? If they can be on a laser, I'm guessing it might be a different type of decal film/paper?
OK... first, must be ink jet printer. I use Hayes Waterslide Decal Paper, but there are other brands, too. Just be sure is says 'waterslide'. Once the decal is printed, and dry (give it an hour to be sure), spray the paper with a clear acrylic spray. Widely available at hobby and craft stores or on line. Let that dry for several hours or overnight. Once that is dry, and you are ready to apply, cut as close as you can to the edge of the printed decal, dip in warm water and apply as you would any other decal. Use a tooth pick to help position the decal and carefully blot with a make up sponge (the triangular ones from drug stores). It helps if you have a shiny surface for the decal, you can use Testors Gloss Coat on the area. Once the decal is dry, overspray the area with Testors Dull Coat. The waterslide paper comes in 8.5 x 11" size, so I cut it into quarters and adjust the guides on my printer so I don't waste full sheets on a few small decals. Experiment with your document size on regular paper until you are happy with the margins, then save that blank document as a template so you will have it for the next time you make decals.
Richard, I am, by no means, a decal expert but let me share some of my experiences. 1st, I totally agree with everything "The Bear" said. Yes I print with an HP 8600 printer and I think the results are great. 1. I have a "worksheet" in Excel to size my images because you can drag it in or out on the corner of the image to adjust it . 2. I set up my printer to print in black so I do not waste colors. 3. I adjust, print, cut out the image and test fit on model until I have the image(s) just right. Then and only then will I print in color. You can adjust the quality of the print in the printer window when it pops up. I post the following as referral : This is what I am working on now. So what, yeah ? I posted to remind you that what ever you want to make has any white on it, unless you or somebody you know has a special white printing printer, you will have to buy "white" film decal paper. On this above all the decals on the black section will have to be printed on white paper. BTW, I have made individual masters for each one that you see on this trailer. Also, before applying the decal I will have to color the edges with black or the white paper will show a small line around the decal. Now the rear part of the trailer I will use "clear" film decal paper. The colored logos will be printed as you see them but the surrounding film will show the yellow through. Hayes Paper has both types of paper as well as most all other manufacturers. Here is an image of how I have been adjusting logo sizes. To give you an idea about the sizes of these logos, look at the bottom Love's wave print. It fits the exact length of the trailer I am working with. BTW, since making this image a week ago I have adjusted these smaller 2-3 more times. After printing the decal sheet, I let it dry for a couple of days and then I lightly spray with a gloss clear cote. If the decal paper does not accept the printer ink very well, I have lightly sprayed the blank sheet with gloss clear and let dry for a day or so before printing on it. Quick comments on how i come up with these logos : 1, I surf the internet for each company logo and when I find a good jpg or png I download to my PC. 2. Those will be raster images and I then convert them to vector images. 3, I then download into my Excel file where I can easily adjust the size and then print. I know, my friend, a lot of work and maybe some would say "too much BS" but I enjoy the digging and massaging and applying. If you have a specific question PM me or if you would like, just put it on this thread. The hobby is supposed to be fun, right ? I hope there is something of value for you or anybody else.
Thank you Carl. You and Bookbear1 have given me excellent info and advice. Next up, I need to do some test printing for sizes and order some decal paper Who knows, maybe in a few weeks, I'll have something interesting to share!
Bookbear and Carl, Thanks for the write-ups on decal making! Carl, I am not sure I fully understand your comment about coloring the decal edges black before applying. Is this something you do in the computer, or after the decals are printed? Scott
Scott, thank you for the comment, much appreciated. It isn't your understanding but rather my poor explanation. When printing the logos with white in them I use white film decal paper. After dry and after I cut out one logo I then use a black Sharpie and run it around the decal on the side to cover up the white.
