Waterslide decal paper?

[Dave Heim]

I'm looking to print some custom decals from my inkjet printer. I see a few options out there for paper and would really appreciate some recommendations and tips!

Thanks!

[kjohnson]

I know hat a lot of the suppliers get their paper from the same source. There was a round of dodgy paper out there and it didn't matter who you went to, a lot of them had the same issue. Now that being said, I've used Bel, Testors, and MicroMark papers for both ink jet and laser printed decals with good results. It comes down to what you can get and what your budget of money and time is.

kj

[chrism]

No matter what brand of decal paper you use, if it is for an inkjet printer make sure you use a clear overcote on the printed decals to keep them from running once dipped in water. TangoPapa.com gives you tips on how to make your own decals as well as sells already made ones.

[Marc_G]

Is there any threat with inkjet printed decals, properly OVER coated, of running through the bottom when put in water? In other words, is the decal film itself fully waterproof?

[hcmbanjo]

DIY decals can take a few tries to get right.
I did a series of three posts on my blog about making decals:

http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot....ps-part-1.html
http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot....ls-part-2.html
http://modelrocketbuilding.blogspot....ls-part-3.html

I'm not saying this is the only way to get good results with DIY decals.
Just more information to add to the mix.

Homemade decals aren't totally opaque, they can be a little translucent.
Good luck with the project!

[Starbug]

Everything he said! Excellent blogs

[Micromeister]

Like Kevin:
I've used a lot of different papers from a ton of different sources. For My money it all comes down to how the papers are recieved and in what condition.
Because of this fact alone I've stopped using all but one vendor for my decal papers. That vendor is Micro Marks. both Inkjet and Laser (alps) printer papers have always come in PERFECT conditions. not even a single dogeared sheet.

Some time ago I did a downloadable Tech-Tip on lots of the different ways of making Waterslide decal with a number of different methods and materials. This Tech-Tip is still available for FREE from www.narhams.org in the library section Look for tip #016.

[sodmeister]

I would have chimed in before ,but I was trying a new paper and clear on my new home made decals and this is what i have to report.

I ordered several CLEAR decal sheets (for inkjet) from SIRIUS ROCKETRY ,these are full sheets 8 1/2 x 11 ,but I cannot confirm the maker of the decal paper.I have always used Testors decal paper (inkjet) and overcoated with their decal bonder clear or their clear gloss lacquer (the decal bonder is also lacquer based)

I printed my decals as per usual ,but this time I clear coated them with KRYLON Acrylic Crystal Clear GLOSS ,using 3 light mist coats to acieve a nice smooth glossy finish on the printed decals.

The clear coat has cured for 48 hours and I have applied them this morning.

I am using fairly warm water and soaking the decals for approx. 20 seconds and letting them rest on a moist sponge for 10-15 seconds and them applying them as I normally do with any type of decal (silk screen ,ALPS etc.) that is using FUTURE as my decal setting solution.

I am very happy with the results ,the decals are laying down nicely ,they slide off of the backing paper easily and are not at all brittle and rather tough and not too thick (of course thickness will depend on how the clear coats are applied ,more clear will = thicker decals)

Hope this helps you all out !

Cheers

Paul T

[Rocketbuilder]

I have always used Testors decal paper (inkjet) and overcoated with their decal bonder clear or their clear gloss lacquer (the decal bonder is also lacquer based)

How did you like the Testors clear? I am about to order some from Hobbylinc (don't worry my order is over $100 ) unless I hear something about them that changes my mind.

[sodmeister]

How did you like the Testors clear? I am about to order some from Hobbylinc (don't worry my order is over $100 ) unless I hear something about them that changes my mind.

If you mean the clear decal paper ,it`s good stuff and never had a problem.The reason i ordered from David at Sirius Rocketry ,is that my local hobby shop guy did not have any and was not placing an order for awhile.The paper fron Sirius could be the same stuff ,I can`t tell ,but works just as well as testors.

HTH

Cheers

paul T

[Rocketbuilder]

If you mean the clear decal paper ,it`s good stuff and never had a problem.The reason i ordered from David at Sirius Rocketry ,is that my local hobby shop guy did not have any and was not placing an order for awhile.The paper fron Sirius could be the same stuff ,I can`t tell ,but works just as well as testors.

HTH

Cheers

paul T

Thanks, that's just what I needed to hear.

[FatBoy]

I used to have mine printed on a commercial laser printer at work with paper from BelDecal. Once I tried getting some printed at a Kinkos and the paper destroyed the machine (oops). So I just recently purchased paper from Decalpaper.com (which if I remember correctly used to be called BelDecal) for my home inkjet printer. I bought a combo pack of white and clear paper. After printing I sprayed 3-4 coats of Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss Acrylic Coating (#1305) bought at a Micheals craft store. They worked out just fine. For my daughter's minion Fat Boy below I used white paper for the goggles and mouth, and clear paper for the black logo in the blue area.

[RayJay]

I used to have mine printed on a commercial laser printer at work with paper from BelDecal. Once I tried getting some printed at a Kinkos and the paper destroyed the machine (oops). So I just recently purchased paper from Decalpaper.com (which if I remember correctly used to be called BelDecal) for my home inkjet printer. I bought a combo pack of white and clear paper. After printing I sprayed 3-4 coats of Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Gloss Acrylic Coating (#1305) bought at a Micheals craft store. They worked out just fine. For my daughter's minion Fat Boy below I used white paper for the goggles and mouth, and clear paper for the black logo in the blue area.

Just want to say, Nice Job!!!

RayJay