Dry Transfer Decal paper

[NorthsideChi]

To add some realism to my models, I'm looking to add graffiti and mural decals on alley walls and viaducts.  I know there's already products like this you can buy but it's more meant for railcars

I was thinking I could use a dry transfer paper you print photo images on. I don't need to go far.  There's lots of graffiti in my neighborhood, including on the side of my own building ( I have yet to clean off) that I can photograph and arrange in a grid on a sheet in photoshop.

Most of the sidewalls in building models are forgotten, boring and flat elevations and I think this would add a ton of detail and interest.  

Any advice?

 

I just can't seem to find the right transfer paper to print on. There's stuff on Amazon that I'm not sure works.  Anyone tried this?

[BigDaddy]

All I saw on Amazon was decal paper and heat transfer paper that you would use on a t-shirt. 

You could transfer you photos to decal paper except if they are white.  There is a white laser cartridge, but no one has ever posted in this forum that they have used it. (ghost white toner)

[MisterBeasley]

I model the late Transition Era, with occasional changeovers to the 1930s for fun and variety.  While graffiti is mostly absent from my layout, I find signs and advertising really enhance structure walls.

I have an inkjet printer so I buy Decal paper for inkjets.  You must have the right paper.  If you have a laser printer, get laser decal paper.

I usually download images, size and print them.  I paint a white background the size and shape of the image on the structure wall.  Remember, printers don't print white, so white comes out clear and light colors are very subdued.  The white background restores the color balance.

I find that advertising signs in particular benefit from a dark border.  I often add a border with a graphics program.  This generally covers the edges of the white background and gives a more finished look.

Advertising signs help define an era, so think of ads that were common for the time you place your railroad.