Author Topic: Scale model decals  (Read 372 times)

Offline Seraphim

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Scale model decals
« on: April 17, 2009, 12:08:42 AM »
I know there's a few talented scale modelers here, & I'm building a 1/48 B-25 for my lil sis.....Her name is Michelle, nicknamed mitchell, so what better gift than a mitchell?  ;)

Anyways, I was wonderin if anyone knew how to make, or transfer, a picture to a decal to put as nose art. Basically I wanted to have of pic of her smilin face as the nose art, but haven't found any way of getting this done...short of hiring a pro painter.

Thanks!

Offline phatzo

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2009, 12:15:36 AM »
check out signwriters they can do amazing stuff with digital printers
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Offline AWwrgwy

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2009, 12:53:28 AM »
Can you print directly onto clear decal film?

Dunno.


wrongway
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Offline Seraphim

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2009, 12:58:47 AM »
I have no idea wrongway......phatzo, a little more specific? I looked up signwriters, it led me to some publishing company.....

this decal would be fairly small, about 1/2" square.

I know it seems like a small deal, but I wanna get it nice & right for baby sis, while not spending a fortune.

Offline phatzo

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2009, 01:24:33 AM »
my Buddy is a signwriter and he can digitally print on to clear plastic that is somehow adheasive. He done his massive rollerdoor at his factory as a big einstein face. What I'm telling you is what I,ve seen and I'm by far no expert

http://www.yellowpages.com.au/bi/letter-rip-signs-west-burleigh-qld-5503756.html

some contact details
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Erin is really cool and can prolly tell you what you need
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Offline Guppy35

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #5 on: April 17, 2009, 01:46:10 AM »
Go to www.hyperscale.com.  Look around and ask there.  Lots of folks print their own decals.
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Offline Kazaa

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2009, 02:07:23 AM »
...
« Last Edit: April 17, 2009, 02:10:17 AM by Kazaa »



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Offline AWwrgwy

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2009, 04:08:15 AM »
http://www.modelsbuzz.com/need-help-with-injet-printing-on-decal-film-913165.html
http://www.modelsbuzz.com/do-it-yourself-decals-329387.html

So, I guess with proper preperation you can print your own.

An interesting thing that I had not thought of that I discovered while reading up.  You cannot print white.

Makes sense.


wrongway
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"THAT"S PAINT!!"

"If nothing else works, a total pig-headed unwillingness to look facts in the face will see us through."
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Offline phatzo

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2009, 05:29:43 AM »
100% correct wrongway you need a painted base colour background
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Offline avionix

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2009, 05:37:15 AM »
I never used it, but I know Walmart at one time had a little program that would allow you to make your own decals from and injet printer.  It was in their "model" section.
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Offline Die Hard

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2009, 06:18:22 AM »
100% correct wrongway you need a painted base colour background

There is white printable water-transfer decal paper available, but then you have to cut out the decal accurately with a knife. It's not that hard unless there are many curves. Depending on the model/decal I use both white and transparent paper.
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Offline Seraphim

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2009, 08:07:21 AM »
Thanks for the info everyone.

Offline DYNAMITE

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Re: Scale model decals
« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2009, 08:35:29 AM »
Go for it bud... printing your own decals is easy, and if you have a decent hobby shop near you they should have the paper in stock. 

I did this myself when I made a model of the b24 my grandfather flew in during the war... it was the only way I could reproduce the nose art.  Anyway, long story short it came out great and he loves it.

GL and have fun!