Decals to masks

Sure, try it. Can you print at 99%

Whatever I scan prints at the same size. I do have some state of the art stuff and generally use Epson Photo ink jets for quality and accuracy.

I will give it a try and post the results.

thanks

James

snapdragonxxx

I am trying to turn some decals for my Ki-45 Nick build into masks.

Can I scan in the decal sheet and then with a sheet of tamiya masking paper print onto it with an inkjet printer?

 

 

James

 

Bakster

 

 

snapdragonxxx

I am trying to turn some decals for my Ki-45 Nick build into masks.

Can I scan in the decal sheet and then with a sheet of tamiya masking paper print onto it with an inkjet printer?

 

 

James

 

 

 

 

I tried that once and the printer ink smeared bad. The ink didn't dry well either, even after hours of time.  I used an Epson printer. But, give it a go. Maybe you will have better luck.

 

 

Bakster

 

 

snapdragonxxx

I am trying to turn some decals for my Ki-45 Nick build into masks.

Can I scan in the decal sheet and then with a sheet of tamiya masking paper print onto it with an inkjet printer?

 

 

James

 

 

 

 

I tried that once and the printer ink smeared bad. The ink didn't dry well either, even after hours of time.  I used an Epson printer. But, give it a go. Maybe you will have better luck.

 

 

Inkjet decals need to dry for several days before overcoating.  Then, they must be clearcoated to seal them (most inkjet ink is water soluble).

I've also discovered that my inkjet prints on decal paper are much more likely to smear when the printer is hot.

Just for clarification... I understood the OP asking about Tamiya masking sheets. Tamiya sells their masking tape in a sheet form. I may be wrong but I think the OP is looking to print onto their masking tape, trim, and use it as a mask for painting

I tried this a few years back and the inkjet ink did not work with whatever coating Tamiya uses on their tape. The sheet came out of the printer completely smeared. Even days later the ink easily smeared and/or wiped off.

I do a version of this often. I'll print the decal sheet on plain paper at 98%. Then I make a piece of blue tape that's as big as I need for the mask. Put the tape down on my cutting mat. Tape the print over it. Cut through both layers with a knife.

GMorrison

I do a version of this often. I'll print the decal sheet on plain paper at 98%. Then I make a piece of blue tape that's as big as I need for the mask. Put the tape down on my cutting mat. Tape the print over it. Cut through both layers with a knife.

 

 

Hmm, that sounds pretty good. Question: why are you printing at 98%? 

I tell ya, for anyone with some gumption, the idea would make a useful product. I'd buy it. Frankly, I am surprised that the Tamiyas of the world have not done it. It would be a sheet of masking tape that you can run through an inkjet printer. Then, you trim around the printed image and bang! You have a easy mask.  

Thanks for all the info guys.

There's a number of options I am following up on but scannin and printing on to injet paper and then cutting that out and putting in onto a sheet of tamiya masking stuff might just do what I want to do.

I will detail my adventures in my Ki-45 Nick build in the aircraft forum. I am always up for learning something new and trying out and developing new techniques!

James