I want to print my own decals . I know where to get the paper , but how do you print white letters. I assume somebody must make white ink for there printers. Even if it is a black ink subsite. Any body know of a source?
Thanks in advance.
Kurt 56chevytimes2
The only printer I know of that will print white decals is an Alps, which is now a discontinued model. I have heard that there is a newer model of Alps available that can print decals, but I don’t know if it will do white. Maybe someone else can provide more recent information, or a link to an Alps Web site.
if you want to print white, get white decal paper and print nothing where you want the white. then cut it out VERY carefully with good scissors or an xacto knife and you should be good to go.
Sounds like a life-time project if you have to do more than a couple of letters.
I haven’t tried this system yet but it sounds interesting: http://www.paper-paper.com/white-letter.html
It’s a system to print on a decal paper, coat it with a white powder and apply heat. Saw a mention of it on another forum and am hoping someone with time will try it and report back.
Wayne
Looks intriguing. If someone is adventurous, I’d also like to hear if the system Wayne pointed us to works.
the only problem with that system is the white lettering can be the only thing you have for the decal. if you have white lettering in a red background, this system will produce a white circle with a clear text. (if you have the image with white lettering) if the lettering in the logo is changed so the text is say black so inc is printed, then the white powder will stick to the text and the circle, producing a big solid circle.
so, if you are doing just text, this works, (the powder will stick to the ink on the paper). if you are doing white text in a logo, then you will need to get the white decal paper. I just looked at the paper i bought, its clear, [:(] good thing i didnt open it [^], i can exchange it [:)]. I have white text inside a red circle in my made up logo.
Kevin
oh, by the way, i know that stuff will work, my wife uses a very very similar product for card making. the powder will melt and stick to the ink on the paper. note, that you are adding a layer of stuff on the paper, do not be suprised if it has a raised effect to it. all of the ones my wife has done has a raised effect when she is done.
Thanks for the help. Just my luck that it’s a discontinued printer. Looks like I will have to find one of the places that make custom decals for people. I don,t like the thought of the letter being a little thicker with the other system. A larger scale might be able to getaway with it , but I think on HO it will look funny. Does anybody know of a place that makes costum decals. Once again thanks.
Kurt 56chevytimes2
www.kingsransom.com/breon_wagon.html
www.kingsransom.com/cars/betsy
Did anyone here look at the adds next to this column. It says “Homemade Decals, Waterslide decals made on your own inkjet/laser printer at home. www.bare-metal.com.”
Don’t give up yet … There are always ALPS printers for sale on EBay. You want either an MD-1300 or an MD-5000.
I got my MD-1300 for about $200, then I ordered a couple dozen ribbons for it, including a bunch of white, gold and silver ribbons. Don’t forget to get a bunch of clear finish ribbons.
Then I ordered 25 sheets of decal paper from MicroMark and went to town. It’s wonderful. I can make custom decals for my car ends, complete with the reporting marks and all the numbers already laid out, so all I have to do is cut out the group and “slap” it on (I do take more care than that, but you get the idea, it’s easy)!
If you want to go the custom decals route, I had a very good experience with Railgraphics.
I have had good results with white on Black background. I did my script and artwork in MS-Word, and took it to the local Kinkos. I got a print out on a Lazer Printer (black & white). Then I did a “negative” photocopy on their machines. Then I photocopied onto my White Decal film. Presto! White lettering on Black background. I applied normally, and only had to touch up the white edge of the decal. My Alaska Railroad Consolidation looks GREAT!!! [:)] [:)]
I found this outfit on the Internet, and plan to have them do some work for me. :
http://www.echomtn.com/custom.htm
You can take it for what it’s worth. Good luck!!
I went to a MICHALES Art Store, and found some white ink. I may purchase an old pen type plotter for my computer, and try driving it with my CADD program. This is a long term distant experiment. Will Advise on success or failure.