Decals made to order?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m looking for a decal company to make a short line railroad decal sheet? Will need a lot of them. Anyone have a website or name of a company that can do quality decal work?
Thanks in advance. [:)]

2

See my post in this thread:

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8031

Andrew

3

try rail graphics custom decals. they made me some decals for my short line. i was very happy with them and will order from again. there website is www.railgraphicsdecals.com or call them at 847-742-5404.

JIM

4

I agree with jwixom on his comments. I too, have used www.railgraphicsdecals.com and was very pleased. If you can’t create the camera ready artwork they need to create the decals through the computer or drawings then they can create your decals for you for a small fee if you fax them a basic drawing.

5

Where can I purchase special paper for making my own decals?

6
7

http://www.beldecal.com/ was suggested in another thread, they make custom decals too.

I’ve bought decal paper and supplies from http://www.micromark.com/

I’ve also seen decal paper in some hobby shops

8

I’ve been satisfied with the Bel Decal product for the most part, but their clear laser printer paper has been my only experience to date. From the research I did prior to getting it, I’d say if you have access to a color laser printer or copier, the laser paper is the way to go. No need to seal it with clear coat and such.

A couple of things I have experienced so far with making my own decals:

  1. The film seems to be a little thicker than that used by Microscale and such. It makes a more durable decals while applying, but more solvent work is required to get it set. I have had zero probs with the ink washing out or dissolving while the Bel Decal laser paper. I can coat it as much as I need to with Solvaset to get it down.

  2. I have used only the clear paper, so sometimes when printing lighter colored decals, the color intended is not what you get when actually applied to a darker background. Some companies will layer a white coat down before the color coat to prevent this I’ve been told. The white paper is supposed to solve this, but requires exact trimming. Or you can paint a light color area where the decal is going to go.

  3. If you’re going to print a sheet…fill it up. Most printers don’t like having irregular/ cut sheets going through. Fill it up with stuff…even if its just letters and numbers.