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How can I write small letters on small scale cars?

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  • Member since
    November 2005
How can I write small letters on small scale cars?
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 6, 2005 3:25 PM
I need to write down some words on a 1/72 car and there are no decals about the subject.

Letters must be white and thin..... any suggestion?, they need to look sharp.....

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Piedmont Triad, NC (USA)
Posted by oldhooker on Friday, May 6, 2005 7:08 PM
Good evening Capt Ahab,

In better craft stores (or on ebay), you can find all sizes of letters/numbers on "Dry Transfers", that could be used on the project you described.

I wish you good luck, and hope you have the opportunity to show off your work when it's done/ Smile [:)]

Take care,
Frank

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 20, 2005 12:52 PM
Can the letters be raised/embossed? Makes a difference. Also, have you considered using a computer printout on transparency with a very small font size? Many options depending on how small you need.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Friday, May 20, 2005 3:30 PM
Dry transfers would be the way to go. You can also apply them to clear decal sheet and apply the decal as you normally would.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, May 20, 2005 3:59 PM
There are many ways to accomplish what you want to do, if I read your initial post right. Don't get too focused on one method. Xfers such as Pantone Letrafilm are fine, but tear easily, can shrivel or react badly with gloss coats, and may not come in the size/font you want. As alternatives, I would suggest using a print-out and a copier to get the right type face and size, then using a sharp knife to cut out a stencil. You may also be able to use the stencil to spray onto clear decal carrier film as opposed to spraying right onto the model. Experiment with some techniques to accomplish what you want - get creative. You may discover something none of us ever thought of doing, and it might prove handy in the future. If it were my project, I would freehand it with a good brush and give a light buff with polishing compound to smooth out the surface of the letters. Again, it depends. Inch high letters, like on a NASCAR model are very different from 1/16" high letters, like a name plate, and require special consideration. Good luck and have fun!
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 21, 2005 11:12 PM
u could maybe use gel pens....but i dont think that they would be ur best option for small lettering....
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Pacific Northwest
Posted by MBT70 on Monday, May 23, 2005 5:56 PM
A really fine brush ... magnifying visor ... and a couple beers to steady your hand.
Life is tough. Then you die.
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 12:00 PM
"A really fine brush ... magnifying visor ... and a couple beers to steady your hand."

LOL - the truth is, I have to quit coffee for about three days leading up to that type of work. The family thinks I'm nuts ever since they saw "Motorcraft" written around the oil filter on my 1/24 '94 Mustang GT. I find those things nearly impossible to photograph, unfortunately.
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