Hey guys, I’m looking to get some decals made to model a local short line locomotive in HO. The decals would be fairly simple, and only 2-3 colors. Could anyone recommend a maker that doesn’t want $100 to do one sheet or require 100+ minimum?
Why not print them yourself?
Interesting.
Can you elaborate a little about the technique required to print and apply self-made decals or stickers?
Printing decals yourself is not that difficult. I recently did a sheet of custom decals for my freelanced RR, and they’ve worked quite well.
You’ll need to get a sheet of blank decal paper. These are available in clear or white versions. The white ones have a white backing, and are only really useful if you’re applying decals to a white surface, or plan to cut exactly around the edges of the printed decal. It may help bring out the colours, but I’d still recommend the clear backed paper. The paper ranges in price. I know the sheet I found (which I bought a few years ago) I got for around $5, so they’re not too pricy.
Be sure to read the directions. Some paper is for inkjet printers, while others is for laser printers. Be SURE to use the right printer for the paper, and (as always) follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions.When you print the decals, be sure to print a test sheet first. By adjusting the margins, you may be able to fit a lot more on one sheet, but make sure everything is still within the “printable” area. Also, you’ll of course want to make sure the sizes are correct by printing samples.
Print the decals as directed, on the highest quality settings your printer has. Make sure (of course) that you have enough ink before you start! Once printed, let them dry thoroughly, or you’ll have problems. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s directions on coating. The paper I worked with required a generous coating of Microscale’s liquid decal film, while other brands talk about using clear-coat/gloss-coat finishes. Check what the paper you have specifies.
Once it has dried completely, you’ll be all ready to cut out and apply your custom decals just as you would any others.
I’ve printed signs here at home, but can’t get my printer (Canon) to print black background so the white decal paper shows through for white lettering.
Suggestions for programs or methods that will solve my white lettering problem desperately needed. [sigh]
I’m not familiar with any of this stuff, but what if you ran the paste-up of the lettering through a photo programme that allows you to make a negative image of the picture? Even the basic “Picture It Express” which came with my computer will do that. Perhaps then you’ll be able to “fool” the printer.
Wayne
See this list of decal makers:
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=333
I recommend Don Manlick. He’s “old school”, has been around a long time, and makes a quality product. My club has been using his services for years. We usually get 25 sheets, and each sheet is only 2" x 4" or so. He does not use a dry ink printer like an Alps printer, I believe he silkscreens it. That means his colors are more clear and do not have the aztek-ing that some decal makers have. Also, his prices have been reasonable, but you pay by the color.
I also know that Kadee does quality custom decals:
http://www.kadee.com/printing/custom.htm
Paul A. Cutler III
Tried to run it through Kodak Easy Share, the Windows picture program and they wouldn’t accept the file. Not sure how to save the doc as a photo, or transfer the file to somewhere were it can be saved as a photo. Technically challenged I guess. [sigh]
I used Don for many years to make custom decals, but the last batch I got from him came about 6-8 years ago and he sent me the masters indicating he was no longer doing decals. Might want to check though.
Bob
Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll look into those. As for printing my own, I would have to buy a printer first! A new printer is down the line from a new computer. 
You and I are both technically challenged, but I tried this and it worked - the key is to change the text into a jpeg. I don’t know how to do that, but my brother sent me this document in the form of a jpeg:
When run through Picture It Express, it looks like this:
If you lay out your decal art work in black on white, then convert it to jpeg format, you should be able to change it into a negative image of white on black. Let’s hope someone here can explain the process of putting it into the proper format. [swg]
Wayne
I use Rail Graphics
Success on the white lettering from white decal paper. I’ll start another thread to explain. A friends son sorted it out for me. Gotta like the techno kids of this day and age. [:)]
We have a winner! Thanks for recommending him. excellent pricing, and quick response.