General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Which decal paper you use depends entirely on what you're going to use to print onto it, not what you'll be applying the decal to.

If you will be using an ink-jet printer, use paper sold for use with ink-jet printers. It has a coating that helps it absorb the water-based ink. Yo uwill probably need to use some kind of clear-coat or fixative to seal it afterwards.

If you will be using a laser printer, a dye sublimation printer or an ALPS printer, use paper that is sold for laser printers.

I have an ALPS printer that I use to print decals, so I use paper sold for use with laser printers (the paper coated for use with ink-jet printers can destroy the ALPS printer's print head). The blank decal paper sold by Bare Metal Foil is readily available at hobby shops in my area, so I tend to use that brand's laser printer-compatible stock. Tango Papa Decals, at http://www.tangopapadecals.com is a well-regarded mail order supplier of decal paper.

Another choice beyond laser/inkjet decal paper is clear or white decal film. which is available in both types of paper. Mostly, I use clear film, but many lighter color inks are transparent. If you want to apply a decal with light colors on a dark surface, the lettering will probably disappear. In this case use white decal film.

 I use MicroMark decal film, only because I order from them from time to time. This is a listing of their decal products. If you are starting out, I recommend the Try-It pack which contains 1 sheet of clear paper, 1 sheet of white paper, and a spray can of clearcoat fixitative
http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=decal+paper

Do a search of this forum for making your own decals. There have been a number of discussions with a lot of good advise,