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Product Image on structure walls: How does Selios do it?

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  • Member since
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Product Image on structure walls: How does Selios do it?
Posted by ChrisVA on Saturday, June 22, 2024 11:52 AM

I'd like to learn how to put product images on the side of structures like George Selios does on the Franklin and South Manchester?

What is the basic technique? Do you print the image on some very thin paper and then glue it to the side of the building? Any suggestions on how to do this appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

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    October 2020
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Posted by NorthBrit on Saturday, June 22, 2024 12:09 PM

Google  HO scale Ghost Signs  should bring up ideas.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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  • From: Flyover Country
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Posted by York1 on Saturday, June 22, 2024 4:01 PM

I've read about several methods, which I believe are probably more work and above my talent level.

Here's one I found:

 

York1 John       

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    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, June 22, 2024 4:09 PM

I use an inkjet printer and inkjet decal paper.  I download pictures, size them and print them.  I usually paint a white rectangle on the structure with acrylic paint.  This restores the color balance for light colors and backgrounds.  I like old but familiar advertising pictures like Coppertone sun lotion or Campbell's Soup.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by hbgatsf on Saturday, June 22, 2024 9:12 PM

I have a VHS tape from about 1992 that shows how George built the city scene.  I know he describes how he does the signs on the buildings.  If I remember correctly he cut ads out of magazines, sanded the backside to make them thinner, and then applied them to the walls.  

I don't remember the method he used to make them stick.  I will need to dig out an old tape player and hook it up to watch the tape.  It's something I have been thinking about doing anyway but it might take some time for me to get to it.  When I do I will give more details on the process.  

Rick

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Posted by PennsyLou on Saturday, June 22, 2024 10:26 PM

The instructions for some of the FSM kits I've built talk about sanding the signs VERY thin with fine grit sandpaper, and affixing them using full strength white (Elmer's) glue.  I've tried this technique and it is possible, albeit nerve-wracking.  Basically you need to keep sanding until the sign is visible (how visible depends on your nerve) through the back.  Sand from the middle toward the edges, and try not to tear - which is the trick.

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Posted by kasskaboose on Sunday, June 23, 2024 2:40 PM

Any alternatives besides George Selios to use?  I bet others have done similair to him.  Glad he didn't do a lot of work in rural and modern day design because I'd rip out my layout and quit!

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