I’m trying to make my own decals with my ink-jet
printer and “Print Shop” software. I’m following
the limited instructions provided. I’m trying to use Gold (Yellow) lettering on Mineral brown cars. My problem is that the decal is too lite
and can not be read. Any Ideals?
Gold is a difficult color to get to work properly on a decal. On commercially-produced decals, you will probably note that the gold color is particularly thick. One way you can get this to work better is to literally run the decal sheet through the printer twice, doubling the amount of ink on the surface. You can only do this if your paper alignment is very, very tight; otherwise, you’ll end up with a double-image.
Another thing you can do, if you have a very steady hand, is to print it out once, then use gold or yellow ink and a very fine tip nib to ink over the decal again (a lot easier to do with the printout there than to do from scratch).
Thank you for help. My printer didn’t do a good job of double printing so I’m looking for some fine point pens. Thanks again
Hi Robert,
I’m John, a second generation train buff, just starting my own collection. I am very interested in the “old un-loved” trains that need some good fix up work. Was very interested the decals you are trying to make at home. Could you tell me a little bit about what you are doing. What kind of paper, printer, ink,…ect. Thanx -JOHN
Hi John,
I’m using “Vitacal” decal starter Kit. The Kit
includes 2 sheets each of white and clear backing
decal paper. I’m printing on a “Lexmark Z11” ink jet printer. I model a small western railroad running in 1869. I choose Minaeral brown as my frt. car color. My problem is ink jet printers don’t print white so some other color needs to be used. Gold was tried but, was too light. I’ve tried several other colors, browns, blacks, greens and even blues. Black is the only color readable. It does not look realistic. I’m trying some ideals which look hopefull otherwise I’m going to have to do it letter-to-letter with commercial alphabet sets. Yes, very Tedious.
Here’s to green lights
I just thought I would let you all know that I finally did figure it out.
I used white backed decal paper and surronded
the words and numbers with a field of color to match my car sides.
YO ROBERT: WHERE DOES ONE FIND A “VITACAL DECAL STARTER SET” I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR DECAL THAT SAYS>PROPANE POWERED<,NOT HAVING ANY LUCK=THANKS ,TELL THE FOLKS OUT THERE IF THEY ARE LOOKING FOR GRAFFITI TYPE DECALS GO TO BLAIRLINE.COM HUB
Terminal Hobby, A divsion of Walthers
THANKS FOR INFO,I HAVE A LEXMARK Z11,WILL HAVE A GO AT MAKING DECALS,WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS= HUB
That’s the printer I use too.
I used Printshop programing for the artwork.