Extremely disappointed - but my fault

[flipper]

New to the hobby, and thought I would custom finish my first rocket. As i was buying paint, found a "testors custom decal system:" made for inkjet printers...Being a computer idoit at times....didnt realize that the ink would totally disinegrate with water. Anyone know of a REAL product that works with a photo quality injkjet printer to print my own decals - no offense to manufacturers, but I have learned quickly, individuality is a must in this hobby.

thanks in advance

Ken

 

[shrox]

Spray some Krylon clear coat over it first

 

[BKROSNEY]

As Shrox said, it has to be protected first. The ink only "sits" on top of the decal film. And, as you've found, the ink is water soluable.

Clear coat with Krylon paint is a good idea or if you can find a good hobby store that's heavily into plastic modelling they usually carry do-it-yourself-decal stuff. Mine sells a line of products from "Microscale". The specific product for covering do-it-yourself printed decals is "Liquid Decal Film".

Bill K

 

[stevem]

I have made many decals using Testor's decal paper for inkjet printers.

After I print the decals I let the ink dry for a couple hours just to be sure its dry.

I then coat the decals with several light coats of a clear finish letting the coats dry between applications. For clear finish I have used Testor's dull-cote, Krylon 1301 Clear, and Testor's Decal Bonder #9200. All 3 have worked fine for me but the Testor's Decal Bonder seems like the best one.

After the last clear coat (usually 3 or four light coats) I let the decals dry overnight.

Be very careful when applying, they seem to be a little more fragile than commercially made decals. I always wet the are where the decal is to be applied. Put a small drop of dish soap into a bowl of water and use that to soak your decals and wet the area where it will be applied. Try to get the decal into position the first try and try to move it around as little as possible.

Making your own decals adds to the enjoyment of the hobby.

However, if you decide you don't want to mess with it, don't forget Astronboy and Tango Papa - both great sources of quality custom made decals.

Good luck and have fun!