Anyone print their own waterslide decals for models or props? Seeing if someone may be able to help print of sheet or offer suggestions on a project.

[Crimsonxtusk]

Hello My name is Randy. I am an avid hobbyist. Apart from building the occasional model kit I also enjoy Float fishing for great lakes Steelhead trout. A few years ago I got really into Building my own Fishing bobbers aka ( fishing floats ) out of balsa by turning them in a lathe and coating them in polyurethane. For the longest time I've been wanting to add waterslide decals to my floats. I got an artist to design me a few fish graphics and my initials I ended up buying all the materials to print them and ny mac computer ended up breaking I've been asking around locally to see if any of my friends have any desktop printers for me to print a sheet or two for my bobber projects I wanted to ask the community that has experience with printing and making waterslide decals might be able to suggest a place that might print decals or someone who might be willing to print a sheet or two for me? I hate to ask but this is driving my crazy if you happen to be a fisherman I night be able to make you a few floats in return lol anyway if you have any suggestions or may be able to help please drop a line I'd love to hear from ya. Thank you guys very much

 

[kevin926]

You can easily do this on your own.

They sell decal paper for every printer. If you use laser , then you don't need to treat them. If you use ink jet then simply spray a clear coat over them before cutting and placing in water

 

[Crimsonxtusk]

You can easily do this on your own.

They sell decal paper for every printer. If you use laser , then you don't need to treat them. If you use ink jet then simply spray a clear coat over them before cutting and placing in water

Hi. Thanks for replying.

 

[Crimsonxtusk]

Hi thanks for replying. I have the supplies I have decal paper and sealer. I just don't have access to a printer at the moment. Its dumb I know.

 

[robstyle]

You may be able to have them printed at a local stationary supply store, fed ex kinkos or even a sign and banner shop. Supply a variety of formats on a thumb drive, RGB, CMYK, PSP, PDF, hi res JPG.... So you won't have to make a return trip when you find a place that will do the printing. Back in the day we scummed it by brining a floppy or CD to a retailer and printing it out on the floor display set ups.

 

[kevin926]

Hi thanks for replying. I have the supplies I have decal paper and sealer. I just don't have access to a printer at the moment. Its dumb I know.

you get a printer for 20 dollars now. Thats cheaper than any printing place

 

[Mach1matt]

I bought ink jet decal paper from Michael’s. Used 3 coats of the clear in the pic and let it cure over night. Had zero issues with application following the directions on the packaging. This was my first time making them.

 

[Crimsonxtusk]

you get a printer for 20 dollars now. Thats cheaper than any printing place

And I am guessing I will need to buy a computer for it too ?

 

[kevin926]

And I am guessing I will need to buy a computer for it too ?

what do you need printed.

I have white and clear decal paper and a laser printer.

shoot me a pm

 

[feek61]

I have done it many times. My suggestion is to not use too much clear sealer or it will make the decals noticeably thick (if that is a concern).

 

[Starganderfish]

It's easy enough to do. If you don't have access to a printer of your own, I'd try an Office Supply store. No idea where you are, but here in Australia we have places like Office Works that specialise in this and even department stores like K-Mart and Big W that can print stuff for you. Only costs a few cents a sheet, especially if you're supplying the Decal paper. Places that can print documents or even a lot of places that develop photos also have colour printing facilities.
I'd go to your local ... I dunno Kinko's or something? Talk to the guy's in the print shop there and explain what you want.
It's funny but you find that Office Supply stores and Hardware stores and places like this, the guy's behind the counter are often middle-aged blokes who love these kinds of interesting requests and when you explain what it's for and why, they can sometimes get right into it.
The guys at the paint desk at my local hardware store are amazing for helping to match paints on my action figures and transformers when I need to get some custom colour mixed up. They think its awesome to do something a little different from the norm.

My other advice is to pick up some Micro-Sol and Micro-Set for applying the Decals. They go a long way towards improving adhesion, smoothing out the surface and blending the decal in so you don't get that dividing line between the shiny decal paper and the surface of the model.

 

[Mottrex]

Hi thanks for replying. I have the supplies I have decal paper and sealer. I just don't have access to a printer at the moment. Its dumb I know.

A library or local print shop would do it..
I print All my projects etc out at our local library as its dirt cheap if your a member(which is free) and you can use their computers for free too

20p/20cents B/W
40p/40cents Colour..

Hope that helps

 

[Crimsonxtusk]

A library or local print shop would do it..
I print All my projects etc out at our local library as its dirt cheap if your a member(which is free) and you can use their computers for free too

20p/20cents B/W
40p/40cents Colour..

Hope that h

A library or local print shop would do it..
I print All my projects etc out at our local library as its dirt cheap if your a member(which is free) and you can use their computers for free too

20p/20cents B/W
40p/40cents Colour..

Hope that helps

Huh I wouldn't have even thought of that! I happen to have a library about 10 min from my house. I'll make a call and see if they could do that and just switch the paper with my decal paper

 

[Mottrex]

Huh I wouldn't have even thought of that! I happen to have a library about 10 min from my house. I'll make a call and see if they could do that and just switch the paper with my decal paper

I'm sure they will be able to sort you out..

 

[Moviefreak]

I bought ink jet decal paper from Michael’s. Used 3 coats of the clear in the pic and let it cure over night. Had zero issues with application following the directions on the packaging. This was my first time making them.
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Just be careful using some of the clear coats, as they tend to harden and crack on the decal film. In time, it can start to cause spider-vein cracking across them. It is recommended to buy a special clear spray that is made for water decals. It is flexible, but still locks the ink to the decal film so it won’t bleed. I use this spray…

 

[Mach1matt]

Just be careful using some of the clear coats, as they tend to harden and crack on the decal film. In time, it can start to cause spider-vein cracking across them. It is recommended to buy a special clear spray that is made for water decals. It is flexible, but still locks the ink to the decal film so it won’t bleed. I use this spray…

I appreciate that! I didn’t clear coat the decals on my helmet after I applied them in case they did anything weird. I’ll make sure to pick up a can of that when I’m ready to print decals for my EVA pieces. Thank you Moviefreak!