Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: justboatonic on October 07, 2006, 12:02:38 am

Title: Make your own decals.
Post by: justboatonic on October 07, 2006, 12:02:38 am

Just been reading a post which mentioned some diy decals which are very expensive.

Boaters may want to try these which you can make on your own printer, either laser or inkjet. They are a lot cheaper than those kits sold in some model shops. (I have no connection with this particular manufacturer.)

http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/clear%20water-slip%20decals.htm

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: cbr900 on October 07, 2006, 04:24:22 am

Thats got to be the way to go, decals to suit any model or type, great idea....



Roy

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: dougal99 on October 07, 2006, 12:45:48 pm

Not used this paper but similar. I found that you need to experiment with the colours as when you varnish them, depending on the background surface colour, the foreground colour can appear to change intensity. My problem, using an inkjet, was with yellow and red flames on a green plastic hull. (My son's club 500).

Cheers

Doug

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 07, 2006, 06:18:26 pm

The Dry Rub Off type look interesting too. I suppose you have to keep putting the sheet through the printer to use it on successive occasions. Would be useful if they did some 6x4 sheets to fit in a standard printer photo tray but I suppose you could cut them up yourself. Robert Wilson who makes the ship miniatures uses a self adhesive version of this paper to print out details like promenade deck windows on liner models but this obviously only uses up a very small part of the sheet at a time.

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: riggers24 on October 07, 2006, 06:42:38 pm

I have had this link for a while

Try here (http://www.ceramic-decals.co.uk/inkjet-decal-paper.html)

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: dougal99 on October 07, 2006, 06:56:43 pm

Colin

You can cut the sheet as you suggest or use a full sheet cut of the used bit, having made sure the print is near the edges, and then set your printer page size to the size of the remaining piece. That way you only cut off the used portion. I bought 5 sheets 3 years ago (very expensive then) still got the best bit of 2 and a half sheets left. (Not all used on boats.)

Doug

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 07, 2006, 07:32:35 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I have bookmarked the sites and will try some of this out during the "building season".

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: cbr900 on October 11, 2006, 02:56:38 am

I purchased some today will try it out this weekend and let you know how I get on,....




Roy

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: GOGSAMWE on October 11, 2006, 03:12:35 am

Quote from: cbr900 on October 11, 2006, 02:56:38 am

I purchased some today will try it out this weekend and let you know how I get on,....
Roy

Greetings Admiral Roy ! ;D

So many stars,,,,,,,, oooh  ;) Congratulations :D

I used crafty papers on my Vaporetto build..   
Yes its expensive, but it IS the best ! Quality costs.

Talking of which... They massively overcharge for their Humbrol Krystal Klear Varnish..
Squires sell it much cheaper.. and its exactly the same stuff. They sell  a smaller tin too.
The small tin will last you several models "worth" of decals.

Oh yes.. and despite what the "Crafty Instructions" state.. you will only need 1 or 2 spray coats at the most... trust me..  3 as quoted, and they get too thick.


Steve ;)     

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: Colin Bishop on October 11, 2006, 03:12:47 am

Yes, do that Roy.

Colin

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: DickyD on October 11, 2006, 05:38:46 am

How do you get that many stars Admiral Roy. Do you print them yourself.    ??? ??? ???

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: cbr900 on October 11, 2006, 04:56:56 am

Richard,

You to will get there, if you live long enough..... ::)



Roy

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: White Ensign on October 14, 2006, 02:22:05 pm

Just one question out of interest:
Water decals seem to me the most reliable, as sealed with varnish they look the most realistic. But how do you make them if you have White Letters or a white area in it. As far as I know there is no white ink???  ::)

Jörg

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: justboatonic on October 14, 2006, 05:12:19 pm

Quote from: White Ensign on October 14, 2006, 02:22:05 pm

Just one question out of interest:
Water decals seem to me the most reliable, as sealed with varnish they look the most realistic. But how do you make them if you have White Letters or a white area in it. As far as I know there is no white ink???  ::)

Jörg

White decals can only be printed on inkjet and laser printers so they have an edge around the letters or numbers ie like the RN pennant numbers on ship would be D92. The individual D, 9 & 2 would have a black edging. It is in fact, the edging (in whatever colour you decide to print) that is only printed as the white is from the decal.

Another way of imagining it is to see the letters and numbers as hollow. This can be replacated on most word applications ie Format > Font > Outline

Note, proper printing machines can print white.

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: barriew on October 14, 2006, 06:15:32 pm

Jorg,

To clarify Justboatonic's excellent answer, the decal paper is available in two varieties - white background or transparent background.

Barrie

Title: Re: Make your own decals.
Post by: White Ensign on October 14, 2006, 07:31:42 pm

Barrie, thankyou for explaning an foreign admiral  ;D serving under the Mayhem flag.
I assumed, that it just can be made like this as I don`t have too much to do with that technics. Just had been interested how to make it.  ::)

Jörg