Help! Please. Home-made Inkjet-printed Decals??

sequoiaranger · October 06, 2008, 05:25:14 PM

I have lots of clear decal paper to experiment with, but...

I have a digital image I want to make into a decal. I have the image in my computer. I sized it properly to print, and pushed "print". Each time I have tried that, the initial look is fabulous (but "wet"-looking). As the ink dries, it starts beading up on the glossy decal paper and ruins the image. I tried quick-drying it with a hair-dryer, and quick-spraying it with clear acrylic to try to prevent the beading-up. No luck. Then I ran an eraser over the glossy surface to "dull" it (an old trick) and printed it on the "dull" part, but that didn't work either.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME?

Am I doomed to failure?

Or, if you have a successful way (laser printer?), could you take my image and make decals out of it, for "compensation"??

I really want to put a certain image onto my plane. I am just frustrated!!

sotoolslinger · October 06, 2008, 06:17:30 PM

Decal paper come in two types one for inkjet and one for laser are you sure you have the correct type?

sequoiaranger · October 06, 2008, 08:15:36 PM

There warn't no such thing in the 80's when I got my decal paper.

But... I noticed that the "erased" part of the decal paper had the best rendition. Not quite "acceptable" but close. So maybe the key is to spray the decal paper with dullcote and THEN try printing the image again. I think the glossiness is the problem.

sotoolslinger · October 07, 2008, 07:52:57 AM

When I was printing decals if I sprayed the paper and then tried to print again it just would not work. I suspect that your paper being as old as it is may be one of your problems. I have had difficulties with using older decals before.

cthulhu77 · October 07, 2008, 08:30:45 AM

Quote from: sotoolslinger on October 06, 2008, 06:17:30 PM
Decal paper come in two types one for inkjet and one for laser are you sure you have the correct type?

Bingo! that is the problem. I had it happen to me once when I received a mislabeled package of decal paper.

Spey_Phantom · October 07, 2008, 08:34:45 AM

when i get my decal paper, i keep in en the envelope it came with, so the surface remains sticky

but since you say the paper is a bit old, i guess putting on a coat of clear paint before printing would be a good idea.
but i would brefer using a matt-type of clear spraypaint

jcf · October 07, 2008, 10:43:35 AM

Hi Craig,
as far as I've been able to ascertain the decal paper for inkjet printing is not exactly the same as the old decal paper from Microscale etc.

The Testors decal kit is an OK start point or order the proper paper, I've had relatively good results with the Beldecal brand on my Epson printer.

Jon

sequoiaranger · October 07, 2008, 04:42:47 PM

Didn't know such a beast existed (out of the hobby the last 15 years!). Decals for all seasons and applications. WOW! Thanks for the tip. I ordered mixed white/clear, so I will get five sheets of each. Of course a computer printer doesn't print "white", so white decal paper is a must. Otherwise I would have to size some white decal to put under it.

I am also going to try my eraser method coupled with "glossy photo paper" setting on my printer to see if that will get a decent result. I forgot about the paper setting last time.

**I AM DETERMINED** to get the right image in the right place. Gotta have it.

[EDIT--a day later] Well, the "glossy photo paper" setting made a slight difference, and produced the BEST image of all that I tried, but still the ink balled up unsatisfactorily. I guess I will wait for the Beldecals to come and cross my fingers.

sequoiaranger · October 14, 2008, 09:40:19 AM

>This dude may be able to assist in custom printing decals for you:

http://www.parkes682decals.piczo.com/?cr=5<

WOW. Thanks. I might just do that if I have a special subject. I looked over his site. Top drawer.

sequoiaranger · October 14, 2008, 05:15:29 PM

My Beldecals, "custom" made for inkjet application, came in the mail two hours ago, and I wasted no time in printing my "mad cow" graphic for my Avro Avatar project. The decals were properly prepared according to instruction, and are currently ON the model!! They are drying, and so far I have not had any problems with them curling or otherwise deforming.

Anticipation for completion of my first model project in 15 years is ramping up!!

sotoolslinger · October 14, 2008, 06:01:40 PM

Yea :party:Glad that worked out for you SR

Looking forward to seeing the finished product

sequoiaranger · October 15, 2008, 10:05:36 AM

I am pretty satisfied with the new decal paper and inkjet printing.

The "white" decal paper, however, is a little translucent. That is, there is a slight "show through" of the paint behind. I say slight because it isn't terrible (I've seen other decals worse), but where this white-backed decal is placed on the model, there are darker and lighter colors underneath, and the dark/light separation line is visible behind the decal. If I had used the decal on a uniform shade (or multiple equivalent shades), I don't think I would be writing this! If I think it is important not to have any translucency at all, I will cut out an additional same-sized piece of white decal to use behind the Beldecal.