Any Tutorials On Making Inkjet Decals?

[oldcarfan]

I guess the title tells it all. I made some decals a few years ago and I want to try some more. For the previous decals I used Word and screen shots to set up the design and printed them on a commercial laser printer. This time I plan to try using inkjet paper and my home printer. Is there a fixative for the finished prints. For the laser printer I used MicroScale paper made for laser. They also make inkjet paper. Is that what you guys use or is there something better?

[Straightliner59]

I've been using both Koala and Blinggasm inkjet decal papers the last few years. I like the Blinggasm for white, and Koala for the clear sheet. I usually shoot some Krylon clear over them. I've been thinking about doing something on how I've done them, but, it'll take some time, before I find the time to do it!😄 I've been making most of the markings for my models for the last eight years, or so. I think it's really helped me to complete more projects, because it's given me more control over them. Here are a few examples.

This is my current project. I created these using three layers; two of decals, and one of either paint, or gold leaf. They're thicker than I'd prefer, but, they look cool!

These were pretty basic. I "built the Texaco logo using vectored shapes in a photo program. I did the lettering in the same program. I really like the way these came out.

These were made with graphics I found online, and assembled. They were printed on white film, and trimmed, closely. I "assembled" the Conrad's logo. That, you'll notice is a recurring theme, with my models. It's a tribute to my Dad. The photo program I use is called PhotoImpact Pro 13 (it's old, now), but it works well, and I am very familiar with it.

Here are a couple more examples. Also, I have recently started using an online converter to convert graphics to .svg format. 

I'll see if I can put something more specific together, that's more informative.

 

 

 

[Mike 1017]

Try You Tube

[oldcarfan]

  On 3/7/2025 at 9:41 AM, Straightliner59 said:

I've been using both Koala and Blinggasm inkjet decal papers the last few years. I like the Blinggasm for white, and Koala for the clear sheet. I usually shoot some Krylon clear over them. I've been thinking about doing something on how I've done them, but, it'll take some time, before I find the time to do it!😄 I've been making most of the markings for my models for the last eight years, or so. I think it's really helped me to complete more projects, because it's given me more control over them. Here are a few examples.

This is my current project. I created these using three layers; two of decals, and one of either paint, or gold leaf. They're thicker than I'd prefer, but, they look cool!

These were pretty basic. I "built the Texaco logo using vectored shapes in a photo program. I did the lettering in the same program. I really like the way these came out.

These were made with graphics I found online, and assembled. They were printed on white film, and trimmed, closely. I "assembled" the Conrad's logo. That, you'll notice is a recurring theme, with my models. It's a tribute to my Dad. The photo program I use is called PhotoImpact Pro 13 (it's old, now), but it works well, and I am very familiar with it.

Here are a couple more examples. Also, I have recently started using an online converter to convert graphics to .svg format. 

I'll see if I can put something more specific together, that's more informative.

 

 

 

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That's some fantastic work!

[Straightliner59]

  On 3/8/2025 at 2:46 AM, oldcarfan said:

That's some fantastic work!

Expand  

Thank you, Gary! I've had a ton of fun, with them!

[Mattilacken]

Nice decals! I have an issue with my inkjet printer and that is that they easily get blury, like smudged while printing. Need to try and let it dry better directly after i think. In the settings what "paper" do you mark it as, photo paper?

I use Green World white ink jet paper and also have an other brand clear paper. 

I have a Epson Photo printer from 2012 that have otherwise worked well but the ink is getting pricey.  

I use Decal fluid on them after they are printed and that seems to work ok.