Custom Decal Font

I also use an inkjet for decals.  Inexpensive lasers do not have the resolution and the color range of inkjets, and I can't afford a really expensive one.  And laser decals also need a sealer, so I see no advantage of a laser printer for decals.  I have made a few laser decals for black on clear but I like the inkjet ones better.  Actually, there is one advantage of laser decals- you do not need to wait as long to overcoat them.  But I used up my laser decal paper and don't think it worth it to get a different batch.  Be sure to use the right decal paper for whichever printer you go with.  I tried to make laser decals on inkjet paper and the results were not good.

rooster513

As anyone had good luck user a inkjet printer or are most of you using laser?

Inkjet's all I've ever used, going on 15 yrs now. Never had access to a laser printer, don't know anything about them.

Of the several inkjets I've used for decals, all the best ones have been 'cheapie' all-in-ones, not something elaborate or purpose-designed. The real 'wild card' is simply the formula of inks that any given printer uses. There seem to be some that are just not well-suited to decals, that tend to bead up and run on decal-type papers. No way to tell (that I know of) until you try one out.

Thanks for the feedback guys! As anyone had good luck user a inkjet printer or are most of you using laser? 

I seal mine with Testors Dullcoat or Glosscoat, depending on the  finish I am using them with.  However, with solvent based overcoat it is important to let the ink dry about three days, or else the overcoat may cause decals to run.

rooster513

I'll give it a try! I've never printed custom decals so it'll be a learning experience. Which brand of paper do you suggest?

I've used a bunch of different ones (I print my own decals a lot) and there doesn't seem a lot of difference between major brands. BareMetalFoil's 'Experts Choice' is my first choice, but I use a lot of Testors' as well.

Whichever brand, make sure the paper type matches your printer...inkjet for inkjet, laser for laser, etc. Most printers don't print white (white on the graphic image prints as clear), so if you're printing white or light colors you'll probably need to use white paper. If it goes against a colored surface, you'll need to print a matching color surround...and/or paint around, to match. Black or dark colors can be printed on clear paper.

And since you say you're new to the process, I'll go ahead and state the obvious. You'll likely need to seal your printed decals with some kind of clear sealer before using, to keep the inks from running. I like Testors Decal Bonder...but others seem to have good luck with other spray clears or acrylics.

Good luck!

That looks perfect Phil! Thank you very much, I'll give it a try! I've never printed custom decals so it'll be a learning experience. Which brand of paper do you suggest?

I've never used custom fonts myself, but is this perhaps what you're looking for? 

https://www.dafont.com/usaaf-stencil.font