DIY decals & decal printer paper.

[Pauli72]

Hello Everyone,

While shopping at the local big box hobby store I noticed a product in the model paint isle. It was a package that contained paper for 'Do It Yourself' decals made on your home computer printer. I believe it was made by Testors. I thought that this would be a great tool for anyone who wanted to change from the Guillow's supplied kit decals, to make a specific custom airplane with different insignia & ID markings.

Micro-Mark hobby catalog also has a big selection of this item as well.

I was just looking for some input and experiences from those that have ever used this type of product with balsa & tissue model airplanes.

Thanks,
Pauli

[Tabitha64]

I haven't used yet but I did purchase it the free disk that came with it was good but I upgrade to standard then I I have several decals that I have downloaded for my plans. There were several pin up girls that I can use on the plans. Then I figured out how to download picture from my camera and am able to use that as decal also. I will soon have my plan ready for decals. I am excisted. Please let me know if there is any tips that you have on application.

[Pauli72]

Thanks Tabitha,

I ended up ordering the clear decal paper from Micro-Mark hobby supplies online. They seemed to have the best price. I was just wondering if anybody had used any different brands or reccomendations of this type of product.

I have had some experience with computer graphics in an art class, so I'm going to try designing/doing my own decals for the first time. I'll let you know how this product works out.

Thanks,
Pauli

[Charles_c]

Pauli:

I used these DIY decals on my Spitfire Floatplane. The decals that came with the kit (Kit-504) were incorrect for the year of the aircraft.
Worked just fine on the British decals. One thing you have to remember. If your decal contains any white, most printers do not print white,
it comes out clear. So you have to paint a portion of your model white, before applying the decal. For instance, the British fin flash on the
Spitfire contains a white stripe. I had to paint that before applying the decal. Hope this helps...

Charles

[John G. Jedinak]

Testors Decal paper comes with a WHITE as well as the clear. Usually sit side-by-side. I have used them both with satisfaction.

[Pauli72]

Thanks Charles & John.

I experimented a little with the Micro-Mark decal printer paper, and it works great for the flat surfaces. I had a little trouble with getting it around & into corners though. I did try the addition of distilled white vinegar to soften the transfer piece a little more, and it didn't work so well. I'm going to get some actual decal softening solution, and hopefully that solves the problem. For the flat decals, I put the setting solution on after they dried, and they looked great. I just need to get my technique down for the curved/angled areas.
Yea,...I didn't know my home printer wouldn't print white, so I was kinda SOL on printing some shark teeth decals for my P-38. (the main reason I was trying this product). Oh well, live & learn... & then reorder correctly.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input.
Pauli

[Tabitha64]

Thanks all I have got some great ideas. I have a P-40 That I will be putting shark teeth on I be sure to use the white for that. There are alot of free google web images that you can down load and use for decals also. I found several pinup I am going to use. Happy Modeling.