Making Custom Decals

[Anonymous]

I've run into a problem Trying to make custom decals for my layout. I'm using decal paper I bought several years ago from Micro Mark. I've designed the herald I want to use with Microsoft Powerpoint. When I print the decal sheet with my HP Deskjet 930, the ink either smeers or washes off from under the decal film. I have used a fixative but it hasn't helped. Any suggestions?????

[Jetrock]

First, if possible, use a laser printer.

If you want to make details that aren't black & white, then seal the decals with a liquid or spray decal film--these were originally intended to protect older decals that got brittle but can also be used with homemade decals. Essentially it puts a layer of waterproofing over the inkjet ink, preventing smearking. Or is this the fixative of which you speak?

Another trick I've heard about is spraying the sheet with Dullcote before printing, to give the ink something extra to soak into.

[Fergmiester]

You may be in for a bigger disapointment. i just went through the process and finally went to adecal manufacturer. Problem with ink jet printers is that the ink isn't heavy enough and the decals will be transparent unless they are printed on an opaque surface. Alps printers have the ability to print white then the colour over top.

Unless your printing onto a white surface your decal will be lost and unseen.

Fergie

[Jetrock]

One of the pluses of a black locomotive with white lettering, I guess--ideal for laser printers using the white decal sheet. Or black lettering with the clear background...

I have had good results so far, but haven't tried inkjets yet. From what I hear, I think I'll stick with laser printers...

[pike-62]

Some decal paper is not intended for use with inkjet printers. Inkjet ink needs to soak into the material it is printed on and most decal paper is for use with screen printing or other types of printing where the ink is transfered to the decal surface. The Alps brand of printers is one example of this. Fergie is right about the ink not showing up if it is clear decal film. most pigments that are used in inkjet printers need to have the white paper behind them to show up properly. When I print decals for projects on my alps I have to print a white layer under all of the color surfaces before I print the color itself. The only color you can get away with not printing an undercoat of white is black.

Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. Apparently my HP Deskjet is an ink jet type printer. I'll try the same process with a laser printer and let you all know.

Again, your suggestions are very much appreciated.

Bill

[Anonymous]

try using press on letters

[scole100]

If you can not find a laser printer, print all of your decals on regular paper at home. Then use a copier to print them onto a sheet of decal paper. Just put the blank decal sheet into the copier.