Custom decals?

[harrytheheid]

I have used Experts Choice Ink jet decal paper for a number of years now having tried, unsuccessfully, using other brands. The decals are printed on a standard HP ink jet printer for use on 1/24 truck models (airbrushed with Tamiya or Vallejo Acrylics) and the following is my method of printing and using home made decals.
When designing your custom decals make sure that you include more than enough images on each sheet to allow for those that either decide to curl or tear.
The printer standard settings are used.
Once the sheet has been printed set it aside in a dust free environment and leave for at least 24hours.
Coat the dried decal sheet with VERY thin coats of your preferred clear varnish. I prefer Tamiya Clear Acrylic X-22 through an airbrush at about 15psi. I usually lay down 3 or 4 coats depending on the size of the image(s). If any of the images are to be laid over curved surfaces then 3 coats are usually sufficient. It is essential that all of the ink surface is coated.
Again set the varnished decal sheet aside in a dust free environment for at least 48 hours to make sure that the varnish is well and truly dry.
Make sure that the area of the model over which any decal is to be laid is coated with your preferred clear gloss varnish. Again this should be left to dry thoroughly.
Once the decals have all been applied the final preferred varnish surface (gloss or matt) can be applied.
Experts Choice decal paper needs a good soak in warm/tepid water and the individual decals need to be trimmed as close as possible to the required image.
When placing the individual decals it is helpful if you can flood the location with warm water but if the model surface is not horizontal then coating the area with something akin to Future (as suggested above) helps to float the decal into place. Once the decal is in place soak up excess liquid with the corner of a paper tissue.
In any event be prepared for failures, remove the offending decal and try another decal.
If the decal decides not to conform to any irregular surface such a panel lines I have used Microscale Sol but with care, don't flood the decal, and repeated applications are sometimes necessary.
It's very much trial and error before you find the method and materials that suit you best.
I hope that this helps?

I think I've got some Tamiya X-22 kicking around upstairs. I'll have a hunt for it tomorrow - but if it can't be found then I do know for certain - because I was looking at it today, that there's an almost full bottle of Future that I brought in on a flight from "somewhere", (don't ask), sitting in my hobby cupboard.
Thanks to you and also to Kimmo for the suggestion. I'll try using it next time I'm messing around with home-made decals.
Cheers
H

 

[Rob Brown]

looks like you are getting some quality advice on decals Harry. The decals I make are actually probably a bit thicker than what you guys are mostly looking for. I actually use Kamar Varnish to seal my decals, it is a Krylon aerosol product. I also use World Decal paper, I like it a lot although the white isn't 100% opaque, but it is very good. And I use Mr. Mark Setter and Softener by Gunyze Sangyo for pre and final setting. and agree on printing multiples of your decals so when one is ruined you have extras. Good luck.