RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

For custom decals, I get a laser-compatible decal paper either white or clear depending on the design.

I then make each design on MS Paint, a hi-res, big one not in the size of the actual decal.

After making the designs, I go to Word where I insert all the designs (in .PNG files) and resize each, then lay them out, making multiple copies of the design in each sheet.

I print it at max setting with the inkjet printer on good paper. Then I go to the photocopiers, give them my decal paper, and have the printout photocopied to the decal sheet.

Brush Microscale Liquid Decal film, let it dry, then apply decals with Microsol. Seal with Future ASAP. The last step is especially important if the decal, despite using Microsol, still curls or doesn't adhere to the surface. My solution would be to use water mixed with white glue, brushed underneath the curling decal, and when the decal is flat and the excess water is soaked up with a cottonbud, I then brush Future to seal the problematic decal before it curls up again.

atcttge wrote:For custom decals, I get a laser-compatible decal paper either white or clear depending on the design.

I then make each design on MS Paint, a hi-res, big one not in the size of the actual decal.

After making the designs, I go to Word where I insert all the designs (in .PNG files) and resize each, then lay them out, making multiple copies of the design in each sheet.

I print it at max setting with the inkjet printer on good paper. Then I go to the photocopiers, give them my decal paper, and have the printout photocopied to the decal sheet.

Brush Microscale Liquid Decal film, let it dry, then apply decals with Microsol. Seal with Future ASAP. The last step is especially important if the decal, despite using Microsol, still curls or doesn't adhere to the surface. My solution would be to use water mixed with white glue, brushed underneath the curling decal, and when the decal is flat and the excess water is soaked up with a cottonbud, I then brush Future to seal the problematic decal before it curls up again.

...You are one serious builder ATC

Another friend of mine used to do what you described ...for his Gundam kits....pretty impressive stuff...he doesn't do it anymore because the cartridges for his printer jumped in price ...one color costs 80 dollars

ALPHA

I reckon he is using an ALPS printer. I just use an ordinary inkjet printer, and have the design copied on the decal paper at a photocopying center. It's much more cheaper than "investing" in an ALPS printer.

That's how I made the Pikachu Molon Labe and other decals for my M1A2.

atcttge wrote:I reckon he is using an ALPS printer. I just use an ordinary inkjet printer, and have the design copied on the decal paper at a photocopying center. It's much more cheaper than "investing" in an ALPS printer.

That's how I made the Pikachu Molon Labe and other decals for my M1A2.

Have to admit...that came out really nice ATC...

ALPHA