What's the best way to tattoo an action figure?

[LeroyLahood]

I'm making a custom action figure and I've got pictures of the tattoos. Could I
shrink them down in photoshop and print them on some kind of transfer paper?
Any thoughts? Thank you.

 

[division 6]

You could get printable decal sheets.
The ink jet type do require a coat of Krylon Krystal Clear to prevent image bleed when immersed in water.

 

[LeroyLahood]

Thank you. I'll give it a try.

 

[dropshipbob]

Whatever you do, do NOT use permanent markers...trust me.

 

[d_jedi1]

I'm making a custom action figure and I've got pictures of the tattoos. Could I
shrink them down in photoshop and print them on some kind of transfer paper?
Any thoughts? Thank you.

I don't have much to add to whats been said but I do have some links.
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/for...on/564676-my-experiment-applying-tattoos.html
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/for...ucts/74727-interest-tattoos-now-pictures.html
Archer Fine Transfers, Decals and Dry Transfers for model builders
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/for...reviews-discussion/549731-tattoos-bodies.html
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/for...iscussion/532802-1-6th-waterslide-decals.html
http://www.onesixthwarriors.com/forum/custom-tips-techniques/82638-tattoo-help.html

I don't know the scale of figure you're working on but the advice for 1:6th figures above should carry over to most other scales too.

 

[LeroyLahood]

I'm making a 12 in figure, and it looks likes water slide transfer paper is the best way to go for me. Thank you.

 

[Wes R]

Decals tend to be the way to go. A few guys on the figure site manage to paint them on amazingly well.

 

[4StarCustoms]

•••• NO KRYLON CRYSTAL CLEAR!! ••••

I customize McFarlane sportspick 6" football figures and that often requires applying the players tattoos to the arms.

Normally, I just recreate the tattoo in illustrator. Tattoos that have heavy shading, I usually hand draw, scan and clean up in photoshop.

I only use Papilio decal paper for all my work. Obviously, the clear paper for decals. After printing, allow for the ink to thoroughly dry. Then apply 2 - 3 coats of artists spray varnish (NOT CRYSTAL CLEAR). The benefit of the varnish over Crystal Clear is flexibility. The crystal clear will basically crack as you work with decal in many instances, especially, if you don't use it right away. The varnish provides excellent coverage, flexibility and longevity to the decal.

 

[Blackbirdcd]

First get them really really drunk...

(rimshot)

 

[LeroyLahood]

Good plan.

 

[Psycho Sideshow]

Whatever you do, do NOT use permanent markers...trust me.

Some may work.
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