Decal Making

[TheRoadrunner]

I have found the best decal material is Bel waterslide inkjet white for the white background decals and papilo clear waterslide inkjet printable for the clear decals. Just position the high resolution (300dpi or higher) images the size you need on a sheet, print them, coat with clear acrylic paint and apply to the car using microset and microsol. I use a canon mx922 printer with high detail settings for glossy photo paper and they look great, no bleed and perfect resolution.

[Ember]

I think at least one reason why people use Patto's decals and the like is their ability to print white on clear.

[TheRoadrunner]

White on clear shows the color it is over through the decal, not a very good look.

[Ember]

Depends entirely on the printing method and the quality of the ink used. You can get white cartridges for some inkjet printers, but they certainly aren't opaque enough. ALPs allows for an acceptable opacity. There are also some sublimation printers which give a suitable whiteness, but of course these are rather prohibitively expensive.

This was done with decals designed by me and printed on an ALPs printer on clear decal paper. Yes there is a little colour shadowing, but it is minimal and more obvious in the yellow than the white.


Similarly designed by me and printed on a different ALPs printer. Zero colour bleed visible in the white over the dark blue. The comparison is easily made in the boundary.

[TheRoadrunner]

[Ember]

I'd really like to see you cut the window decals out of white paper.

The Roland machines are good. I used to work with one. But a massive investment. You'd be better off doing things the old fashioned way and silk-screening decals.

[TheRoadrunner]

true enough, you can do photosilk for next to nothing.
As for cutting decals out of white, why not, just take your time and don't try to rush through it and you can get nice results.

[Ember]

Time is money as they say. I am not arguing that it can't be done, merely pointing out why some would find it unsuitable.

More than one way to defuzz a feline, as someone here once said.

[TheRoadrunner]

good things come to those who wait.
never hurry never worry. :)

[Ember]

Hahahahahahaha... Strange words from "The Roadrunner" :D

[slothead]

Roadrunner - any chance you'd be willing to make the decals for the numbers on these cars? I can come up with the product decals from other sheets, but haven't seen this font and numbers. If so, let me know how much for your time and materials.





Looks to me like the Mustang has 3 identical numbers (doors & hood) and the Camaro only has numbers on the doors.

Slothead

[TheRoadrunner]

I'll see what I can do, what size do you need the circle to be and the number? in fractional inches please.

Look again at the Camaro's hood on the driver's side is a number. (see the small white area?)

[slothead]

[TheRoadrunner]

I have both of these fonts, if you like, I can just send you the fonts...or I can make the decals for you, but I still need a size for the circle diameters.

[slothead]

Roadrunner

I forgot about the circle sizes, but just measured and 7/16" diameters will be fine. A bunch of 57's and a bunch of 27's would be great, enough so even if I mess up on cutting a few circles out I'll still be okay. Maybe 6 of each if you can fit them on one decal sheet. And I want it to be worth your time, so make it a fair price for you.

Slothead