Home Printed Decals - Worth pursuing?

[helios]

So I noticed that you can purchase waterslide decal paper. It's not super cheap, but not too bad. I would need to purchase a printer as I don't currently have a functioning one at home, but it's not out of the question if I have enough justification. I also have a paint program on my computer (GIMP) that I could use for design work (though admittedly I'm looking just at lettering for the moment).

Has anyone utilized this process to a large degree of success? I'm always a little skeptical when trying new things. If I had a functioning printer, I would probably just buy a small stack of sheets and give it a shot.

My long range goal for the CVW-11 sampling is going to be taxing attempting to source all the little fiddly bits of decals. I know I will have to source the ship markings for most of the aircraft (if not all) from other sheets, due to the Air Wing's tendency to hop around ship to ship. Just finding sheets w/ an era correct insignia & "NH" tail code is hard enough. If printing my own decals is a viable option, then I know I can at least have the "USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN" & "CVW-11" covered.

 

[moon puppy]

Gimp rocks!

http://gimpchat.com/

It's what I use to make the ribbons I've done in the past.

Short answer is yes. Do it!

I think the last custom decal I did was for the Tamiya Mustang, it was just a black number on the side, nothing fancy. But in my not to be humble opinion, it's worth the effort.

 

[jknaus]

I've done some on my laser with clear and white backing. Still havent made a white decal though.

James

 

[Gator]

The way to go is to get a good inkjet printer, the whole Epson line is great with an awesome price, and print your decals on paper and then bring the original and laser decal paper to a Kinkos or the lake and have them run it on their copier. You'll get a decal that you don't have to clear coat.

Option two is to have a buddy with a laser printer print them. I print mine at work on the laser printer in my office and would gladly print something for you.

 

[ausf]

I've only done some stuff with the Testors paper and inkjet.

I've had mixed results. If you go with the best available setting on the printer, it tends to bleed (at least red does) and get blurry.

You can't print white without the defunct ALPS printer, best case is to design using a white background with white paper and cutting, etc.

I've experimented with fixatives and settings, but at least with an inkjet, you need to manage expectations. I thought I'd printing out 1/16 US armored division shoulder patches, etc and slapping them on, but in reality, I haven't come across anything that I decalled that I couldn't have done by masking.

It definitely has it's uses, I could see movie posters or pin up art working well, but if you're looking for tiny little stencils or something similar, you may have a hard time pulling it off.

I may try Kenny's idea of the copying next time, that sounds pretty good.

 

[Skinny_Mike]

The way to go is to get a good inkjet printer, the whole Epson line is great with an awesome price, and print your decals on paper and then bring the original and laser decal paper to a Kinkos or the lake and have them run it on their copier. You'll get a decal that you don't have to clear coat.

Option two is to have a buddy with a laser printer print them. I print mine at work on the laser printer in my office and would gladly print something for you.

Kenny - did I understand you correctly? If you use a laser printer then you don't have to seal them? I was planning to do exactly what you were saying and shoot them at work with the laser printer.

 

[helios]

When I was researching a bit a couple weeks ago, I believe that is correct. Unlike inkjet ink, the laser jet toner is not water soluble, therefore the clearcote over the top wouldn't be necessary. Without the clearcote to seal, the inkjet decal ink would dissolve as soon as you put in the water.

 

[jknaus]

I clearcoat them anyways with the Testers spray can form their decals set. Have never had an issue. Might try without the topcoat and see what happens.
James

 

[Gator]

Yes, when you print with laser technology, whether with a copier or printer, you do not have to use a clear coat. The toner is heat set on to the paper.

 

[Sharkmouth]

You can't print white without the defunct ALPS printer, best case is to design using a white background with white paper and cutting, etc.

Since I love sharkmouth schemes, I've had to print my own decals on quite a few occasions. To help me with it, and move away from the inkjet, I bought a Samsung CLP-600n color laser printer. Expensive but very nice. Only issue is how expensive it is to replace the toners (hundreds of $$$). Nice thing is, I was informed of someone who sells WHITE LASER TONER! So, I can swap out one of the toners to print white. All I can say, it is expensive to make your own with laser equipment you own.

Not mentioned yet, making your own dry transfers. I've had luck with this to create stenciling:
http://www.pulsarprofx.com/decalpro/

Regards,

 

[moon puppy]

I've never heard of a laser printer doing white, the old Alps printer that Jeff mentioned but not a laser.

 

[Sharkmouth]

I've never heard of a laser printer doing white, the old Alps printer that Jeff mentioned but not a laser.

Quite right, this is why it is a big deal that there is now a white cartridge available... just not for my printer! Well, not yet.
http://www.ghost-white-toner.com/?locale=en

Regards,

 

[moon puppy]

IS this something you add to the printer or what? not sure I follow.

I think I see, they replace the black toner with the white. I got a HP MFP M276n, wonder if that toner will work. :hmmm

 

[Sharkmouth]

I think I see, they replace the black toner with the white. I got a HP MFP M276n, wonder if that toner will work.

Yes, replace the black with white, then return black and print to overlay (if needed). I've no idea about your printer.

Regards,

 

[Gator]

Very cool.