OK I HAVE SEEN THESE KITS NUMEROUS TIMES,MAKE YOUR OWN DECALS WITH YOUR PRINTER,ARE THESE KITS REALLY WORTH IT OR ARE THEY BIG PROBLEM…
THANKS
MIKE[AKA SPURLINE][?]
Kits? We don’t need no steenking kits.
Seriously, I’ve bought ink-jet decal paper and a couple of bottles of Microscale stuff, and made my own decals. I’m honestly delighted with the results. It does take a bit of care, and there are some limitations, but what I’ve put on my layout is worth the effort.
First, you’ve got to match the paper to your printer. Ink-jet and Laser are different, so get the paper which will match the printer you will use. Laser is more water-resistant, but most of us don’t have laser printers at home. Neither of them, by the way, prints white. Understand that white will come out clear, if you get the standard clear-backing decal paper. You can get white backing, but then all of the background will be white.
I use Microscale Liquid Decal Film after I’ve printed the decal. I wait at least 24 hours after printing before putting on the first coat, and then another 24 hours before the second coat. Then, after yet another 24 hours, I apply the decal with Microsol, a wetting agent, and I absorb excess water with a paper towel. Water is the enemy here, with Ink-jet decals, so you want to get it off as soon as you can. The final step is some sort of coating, like Dullcote or a semi-gloss or flat brush-on lacquer.
I’ve made decals with Microsoft Word for simple lettering, or the simple Microsoft Paint program for graphics like No Parking signs. I like to go on the Web and find old advertising posters, and then download the thumbnail and print it. Since the paper is relatively expensive, I do a number of these at a time. I also will cut a strip of decals off of the top of the sheet, and then put the same piece of paper through again to make another strip at a later time.
Examples: First, my Moose Bay Transit Authority trolley. All the lettering is my own decals. The second picture shows the destination board, which looks like white on black,
Mr. B,
That is just great. I will search the computer shops to find the paper you mention, then hobby shops to find that Microscale Liquid Decal Film. It is usually hard to find things here in Jakarta. If anyone knows where this sort of material is often used, or any other trade names it might help me find it. For instance, would graphic artists use it extensively?
BTW, why so formal? The “Mister” in your name? Mister Beasley is leader of the Opposition in Australia at present, and with an election due before too long he could become Prime Minister. Just joking. Don’t take offence.[8)]
I really appreciate that description of something that I need to put posters and signs around my layout. Have to find the gear.[tup]
Micro Mark is where I get my decal paper. They sell clear or white. They also sell a set of solvents, clear coats and sealers for applying decals. If you follow the six step process you will end up with great results, no film. But be sure to seal your decals with at least two coats of clear gloss before doing anything to them. Otherwise the solvents will just dissolve the ink and you end up with a mess.
“Beasley” is a nickname I’ve had since Junior High School, when my train-buddy gave it to me. (I’m 59 now, so it’s been with me a while.) When I originally signed on to this forum, “Beasley” was taken, so I stretched it out.
“Mrs. Beasley” was a doll in an old sitcom from the 1960’s (Family Affair, I think) and “Beasley” was Mrs. Drysdale’s chauffer in The Beverly Hillbillies.
I originally got a sheet of generic paper from one LHS, after not finding any in craft shops or office supply places. This time around, I had my LHS order me a package from MicroMark.