DIY Decals

[Mackem]

Hi All,

It was suggested that I post this here, so here we go.
Firstly, let me say that I'm no expert at this, so if anyone knows a better or easier way to make your own decals please let us know.

Step 1:

Get yourself some decal paper. I went onto Ebay and did a search for, 'water slide decal paper'. I got a mixed pack of clear and white decal paper for around a fiver. Nearly forgot, make sure you get the right paper. ie inkjet or laser.

Step 2:

You will need some form of graphics program for this, I use paint shop pro, but that's just personal choice.
The decals I 'knocked up' were for my PzIV which has winter cammo, so they are white numbers on a panzer grey background using white decal paper. Basically only the background gets printed.

Step 3:

To get them printed I used microsoft word as it handles images fairly well. To place your image on a document click on, insert, picture, from file, and browse to your image.  I found that my numbers were too small but that's not a problem. To resize an image in word you just click on it, then stretch it. When you're happy test print your decals on plain paper and hold them up against your tank to see if they are the right size etc.

Step 4:

Put your decal paper in your printer and click on the print button. I'm using an inkjet printer so I left my decals for a couple of hours to dry completely.

Step 5:

Because I'm using an inkjet printer I had to find a way of 'fixing' my decals to stop them running when placed in the warm water. The ebay vendor I got my paper from was also selling a 'fixing spray' which I chose not to buy. Luckily I found a tin of clear matt spray paint ( plasticote ) which worked a treat.

Step 6:

Cut out your decals, place in warm water, and put them on your tank.


The great thing about making your own decals is you can now choose your own numbers and units for your tank. My PzIV is from Guderians 2nd Panzer Armee, winter 1941/42.

Cheers
John

[Mackem]

Here's some markings for DAK vehicles to experiment with.

Cheers
John

[grompix]

That's a great set of tips John. I've never tried making my own decals before so I'm looking forward to having a go.
Thanks for posting.

Cheers
Chris 

[Mackem]

Hi,

For anyone thinking of giving this a try, have a look here.

http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCatalogue=151

This link was kindly provided by Steiner, they sell everything you need to make your own decals and the prices are very reasonable. The inkjet fixing sprays can be found on the products menu under 'Sprays'.


Thanks again Steiner.
John

[madforce]

hi mackem,
              great tip,decals are so expensive or you cant find what you want.with this you can print anything you want great tip
                    martin

[Mackem]

Thanks Martin,

Here's some Panzer Division Insignia and Balkenkreuze to experiment with.

Cheers
John

[STEINER]

Great write up John, I hope the link was of some use.

[pzrwest]

If you have an Epson printer with the dura-brite ink you don't have to over spray it because the dura-brite ink is waterproof. Also if you set the output to photo the image will be alot better

[Mad Fox]

good write up John, might have a crack at that myself.

[Saxondog]

Try Testors decal system#9198 it comes with paper and a spray decal bonder#9200. this works great, just run some test prints, because you only get 3 white sheets and 3 clear sheets for about 9.00 USD. the spray bonder really makes this product work well, the decals are strong and this helps with the placement.SAX




edited to change type in to lower case BREL