make your own decals?

Bruce:
Here's a recent thread to get you started:
http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=27787&REPLY_ID=278683#278683
You'll need software of some sort to work with your images; decal paper made for whatever type of printer (inkjet, laser, etc.) you have; and some kind of clear coat to seal the artwork once it's printed. The decal paper manufacturer will usually recommend a suitable clear-coat.
You'll also need patience. I started with no particular aptitude either for art or computers, and it took time, a bit of wasted decal paper, and a lot of muttered invective to get the results I wanted---but when it worked, finally, it was incredibly worthwhile.
I've only been doing my own decals for about 2 yrs., and already I've done maybe a dozen "dream" projects that would have been impossible---or so difficult that I continually kept putting them off, due to the degree of difficulty of hand-painting or whatever---without making my own markings. The first time you finish a project that "no one else has," or for which no commercial markings are available, you'll be hooked. It's also a great way to "back up" existing decals, to be able to print replacements in case something goes wrong.
Hang in there. It's WAY worth it.
Greg

Greg's got the process down.

The only thing I'd add is that printing white is not possible unless you have an ALPS printer. You have a choice of clear or white decal paper. But, white lettering, such as stencils, is very difficult to produce - IMHO.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jridge Greg's got the process down. The only thing I'd add is that printing white is not possible unless you have an ALPS printer. You have a choice of clear or white decal paper. But, white lettering, such as stencils, is very difficult to produce - IMHO.

I have learned that white lettering can be done with a printer...but instead of making a decal, make a mask.
print it, cut out the letters , attach the mask and paint the letters.

I also have used the "mask" process, to lay down white backgrounds for the whiteless decal to sit on.
a little harder and more time consuming but it does work.

so u can make ur own decals with a bubble jet printer?

i though i read somewhere that it didnt work with a bebble jet...

QUOTE: Originally posted by tominator so u can make ur own decals with a bubble jet printer? i though i read somewhere that it didnt work with a bebble jet...

most of the problems I've heard of result from not letting the ink dry long enough before applying the sealer.

QUOTE: Originally posted by tominator so u can make ur own decals with a bubble jet printer? i though i read somewhere that it didnt work with a bebble jet...

I don;t know how long you'd have to let it dry, but I tried and was very unhappy. What you can do, however, is put all your decal artwork into a word document as you would any clipart. (Insert/picture/from file) The save the documet to disk and brng the disk to your favorite print shop that has a color laser printer. Not a bad idea to file the document with as many designs as possible.
A color laser print is about a dollar as most Staples/Officmax. Have them print the document from your disk onto you blank decal sheet. You will have to mask for white, however. But if this process can accomodate you, you've got it made.

Can someone explain the masking tecnique being mentioned here, in better depth?
I am wanting to start producing my own decals and don't really know where to even begin. Such as what's the best printer/printers available. What's the best design program/programs for the job and so-on?

Thanks
Chris

QUOTE: Originally posted by C-Ellis Can someone explain the masking tecnique being mentioned here, in better depth? I am wanting to start producing my own decals and don't really know where to even begin. Such as what's the best printer/printers available. What's the best design program/programs for the job and so-on? Thanks Chris

I'm doing a copy of my Brother-in-laws Cessna right now and am using that technic to lay out the aircrafts registration #'s
Instead of printing a decal on white paper, I print the letters/ #'s out on paper, stick a piece of masking tape (tamiya in this case) glue the letters down on the tape back, cut them out. peel off the tape from the glass and stick the new "mask" on the kit and spray the white.
(actually reversed because the fuselauge is white and the letters go on a yellow stripe...so I actually cut the letters and layed the letters down instead of the mask and sprayed the yellow over them leaving the white untouched underneath, but you get the picture.)

Thanks Iroc.

QUOTE: Originally posted by C-Ellis Thanks Iroc.

anytime