Question on Printer Settings for making decals

[Fergmiester]

Well I thought this was a done deal but no. I've run off three sets of decals on a Canon i560 printer (high resolution) One was run off on the "print on paper" setting another was printed off on the "transparency" setting and one on T-Shirt transfer. They are too transparent to be seen. Does anyone have an idea what I'm doing wrong?

[pike-62]

The biggest part of the problem is something that is beyond your control. all inkjet printer inks are somewhat transparent. The reason they show up good on paper is that the paper acts as a white undercoat. If there was a way to print a white undercoat under the inkjet ink then that would solve the problem on clear decal paper. some people have printed their decals on white decal stock and printed the background around the artwork the color of the car or engine that the decal was to be placed on. This can be a bit time consuming to do to get that color just right. I print all of my decals on an Alps printer that is capable of printing white. I have to put down a white undercoat under everything that is printed except black. The other option is to have your decals silk screen printed. Do-able but not cheap for custom runs.

Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com

[Big_Boy_4005]

Congrats on your first post Dan. What took you so long?

Yeah Ferg, I tried it with the graffiti last spring, and found the same thing. You trying to do that logo of your's? Dan's white film idea was going to be my next try.

[pike-62]

Yeah, I know. I knew about this site for some time now, just never got around to checking it out. Been to busy making decals and coal& scrap loads. 3 new loads for HO scale this last couple of month alone plus all the other stuff that I sell.

Dan
www.DansResinCasting.com

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hey Dan, I went to your website, pretty neat. If you don't mind, is that your main business, or a side business. I'd love to find something that I could do at home. I'm in 3 rail O. If you don't want to talk on the forum, feel free to email me. Just click on the icon on my post. Thanks.

Elliot

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's the paper.? Or the printer settings are too high? I've used a Testors decal kit with a Lexmark Z605 printer with the settings on "Plain paper, Normal Quality" without a problem.

[pike-62]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Hey Dan, I went to your website, pretty neat. If you don't mind, is that your main business, or a side business. I'd love to find something that I could do at home. I'm in 3 rail O. If you don't want to talk on the forum, feel free to email me. Just click on the icon on my post. Thanks.

Elliot

The business is a side business. In real life I am a process control engineer. I started this business out of a need about 10 years ago. Back then I was working in product development for the company I am at. This is where I learned my casting skills. The decal thing just kind of happened after another decal printer &!$$ed me off. I wanted him to print me some decals with the understanding that I would have exlusive rights to sell them, after all, I paid for the setup work as well as several sheets of decals. When I got the decals from him I was happy untill I saw them on his web site listed in his product line. It was then that I decided to do them myself. I am not sure that I would pursue that venture again knowing what I know now. The learning curve for the software was pretty steep but, once I got it mastered I figured I was in with both feet so I kept at it. If you are looking to get into a business all I can say is go for it. Find something that you are interested in that you will be able to not only produce, but also sell. There are a lot of nich markets out there for products and in "O" scale I am sure there is a need for a lot. I am constantly looking for ideas for new products to add to my line of goods. Some sell well and some don't. My latest one is the lanyard kit for Digitrax throttles that can be seen on my web site. I have a couple other ideas that I am working on but, for obvious reasons I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet.

Dan

www.DansResinCasting.com

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Dan. My situation in life is such that taking a real job is difficult right now. I have enough money to survive, but a little more would be nice. My big problem is I have to be here when my kids come home from school every afternoon, and I have to send them off many but not all mornings. Very unpredictable.

I just picked up a new Walther's catalog, so between that and my own layout's needs, I should think of something. I happen to know the owners of some of the local hobby stores, so that may give me a place to test market a product or two. Good luck with your new products, and thanks again.