How do you make custom decals?

Hi, how do you make custom decals on a computer? I know you need some type of special decal paper but is there a computer software you purchase or is it done from scratch?ahm cornfused!:screwy:

You might want to try Testors custom decal printing kit. It includes everything you need, except for a PC and inkjet printer, and the instruction explains how to do it in detail. The CD-Rom comes with some sample graphics.

Hiroaki> I tried the Testors paper but I had not a good result with all my ink-jet printers, with normal inks and also with pigmented, may be they have update the paper coat lately.
Also I need to disable (I do it with tape) all the drive wheels since the paper is too wet and become ruined from wheels (only 2 enabled at paper edges)

I have better results with Bare Matal Foil paper, the transparent kind is ok, the white kind is worst (seem a different coating: good with transparent, poor with white)

The other strange kind is sealing: with waterprooof pigment inks normally I'll put a printed paper on boiling water and all is ok, with decals paper I need to seal with TS13 (light layer) or acrylics (Gunze tried)

I have made various small decals for my models (mainly rally cars,the numbers ,number plates etc) using the inkjet printer and they came out really well.There are various ways to go about it and it depends what you want to make.
The most simple way is to scan an image you want to produce with your scanner.An example would be a number door board for a rally car.Then you can print it out.If you need to make any alterations to the image before you print it then a simple paintshop program should suffice.However if you want to make an image from scratch then you may need a more comprehensive graphics program.Once you designed your image you can print it on ordinary paper to check it is the right size.Then when you have the size correct you can print it on to your decal paper.I usually use white special inkjet paper.I have tried many different brands but the best I have used is Experts Choice it seems to accept the colours a lot better than other brands.You must set your printer to photo print,Glossy photo paper and best quality in order to get the best image quality.You must also seal the decal before use or the inks will run.I use Microscale liquid decal film for this purpose but you can use acrylic varnish sprayed in light coats.Most important thing is if your artwork,scan etc is bad then your print will be bad.So make sure your image is good before you commit it to print.

In the past I had nice results with the SuperCal system and an Epson R200 printer.
However, nowadays I prefer to use regular decal paper (both white and clear) and a HP color laser printer.:naughty:
One still has the limitation of not having the white/metallic colours available though. :(


Cheers,
Luis

What program would people recommend for creating graphics? I'm looking for a simple to use program, like 'paintbrush' but with better resolution, what should I buy? I have friends with colour lazer and alps who will print for me if I can creat, thanks for any help :-)

I use Adobe Illustrator to make my graphics for my decals. I tried the Testors papers with out any luck. I have now bought myself an ALPS printer to do my decals (a bit over the top if your doing small decals for yourself).

"Here is one I prepared earlier" :)

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=559690

I use CorelDraw but any vector based program is OK: Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, etc.
A bitmap-based software may also do the trick, but I find it easier to change the line paths, text, colors, etc, in a vector SW.


Cheers,
Luis

i use this http://sunnyscopa.en.ec21.com/GC00282936/CA00283070/Inkjet_Waterslide_Decal_Paper(Patent).html but i'm having difficulty with using a suitable carrier film/clearcoat. tried tamiya acrylic and automotive lacquers, they're too crunchy and won't conform to curved surfaces. :(

i might buy the bullet on CF decals :(

i use this http://sunnyscopa.en.ec21.com/GC00282936/CA00283070/Inkjet_Waterslide_Decal_Paper(Patent).html but i'm having difficulty with using a suitable carrier film/clearcoat. tried tamiya acrylic and automotive lacquers, they're too crunchy and won't conform to curved surfaces. :(

i might buy the bullet on CF decals :(


Use the Microscale Liquid Decal film.You spray it on or brush it on.It's very flexible and seals the decal.It won't crack when you apply the decal on a curved surface.

thanks steve! i'll try em out. :D