Save your decals

[jcbigpaw]

Don't know if anyone else is interested in this bit but I have gotten into the habit of scanning all my decal sheets into my computer for future use. This way if I mess one up or just need another set of flames etc for a future project I can just print a set using my favorite water slide decal sheets. Started doing this when I needed to re-create some OLD decals that had deteriorated and I couildn't use them.

[Mike Kucaba]

Fantastic tip. What about color copying them at a Kinko's for a hard copy?

[Johnny K]

Excellent suggestion and probably obvious to most, but I hadn't even thought of it - and I've gone through hundreds of kits in the past couple years, many of them open and several rare ones. It's certainly something I'll start doing. Thanks.

[Casey]

Fantastic tip. What about color copying them at a Kinko's for a hard copy?

That wouldn't work if the decal art background is clear/transparent.

[Deathgoblin]

Great Idea!! I've even got blank decal sheet in case I screw something up. Thanks!!

[dentedfender]

I have found that after printing the decals on my inkjet printer that they must be clearcoated with Testors Glosscoat spray prior to using to avoid them disintegrating in the water. I found that I cannot use Microsol or Microset either.

Hope this helps some.

[935k3]

I have been doing that for a long time now. It's saved me quite a few times to be able to reprint a decal.

[jcbigpaw]

This also allows you to re-scale graphics for different applications such as using bomber art for hot rods etc.

Btw-I use Micro Mark decal sheets in clear or white and they also require a clear coat.

Edited February 19, 2012 by jcbigpaw

[Terry Sumner]

Coat the decals with either Microscale or Superscale brand "Decal Film." It's the same carrier that quality decals are printed on and works much better than any paint clearcoat. And you can use the setting solutions on them.

[roadhawg]

Coat the decals with either Microscale or Superscale brand "Decal Film." It's the same carrier that quality decals are printed on and works much better than any paint clearcoat. And you can use the setting solutions on them.

Terry, do you spray that stuff on or brush it? I've got some but never used it. And is it ok over Alps printed decals?

[Terry Sumner]

Just brush it on. It is completely self leveling. Never tried on Alps decals before but I see no reason why not.

[sjordan2]

The same back-up system is important for copying instruction sheets. Sometimes difficult with map-style instruction folds, but worth the time if you can't find them at a place like Drastic Plastic.

[Laphroaig]

Any good tutorials on this subject out there?

Just picked up a kit from 1992 and he decals are shot (which is one of the reasons I got such a deal )

Can I simply scan the sheet I've got, a then print out a new set?

Its for a classic rally car so I was thinking of changing the name of the driver and co driver while i was at it.