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Introduction
Before making your own decals, it is recommended that you become familiar with three popular types of computer printers: Inkjet printers use liquid inks to create images on paper. Making decals with this type of printer requires the use of decal paper that has a special coating which prevents liquid ink from beading-up, plus a top coat fixative spray that keeps ink from smearing or washing off. Inkjet printers typically use the paper stock to supply the white component of artwork color, so white ink is generally not available. However, white inkjet decal paper is available in addition to clear decal paper so that images needing a white background may be printed. Laser printers use dry-powdered-ink to create images, and employ heated rollers to fuse the ink to the paper. Most copy machines also use this principle to print images. As with inkjets, white ink is not available, so white laser decal paper is also available. Micro-Dry printers use dry-ink-coated ribbons to create images on paper. In addition to the standard colors, these printers can print white and metallics, and are recommended for use when white, yellow, and other light-colored artwork needs to be applied to dark surfaces. A layer of white ink can be pre-printed under the final image to create the opacity necessary to block out dark backgrounds. Micro-Mark has two varieties of decal papers (Inkjet and Laser) that are made specifically for the above types of printers: Use Inkjet decal paper (identified by Ink-Jet labeling on the rear surface of the sheet) for Inkjet printers; use Laser decal paper (no Ink-Jet labeling) for Laser printers, Micro-Dry printers and copy machines. Note: Inkjet decal paper will also work in Laser printers, Micro-Dry printers and copy machines; however, Laser Paper will NOT work in Inkjet printers. Sorry, we have no information about compatibility with Bubble-Jet printers. Follow the three steps below to create and apply your own custom decals: 1. Create artwork Use a computer, dry transfers, previously printed designs, and/or pen and ink to create your artwork. You may use multiple colors, but be aware that dark model colors may show through light-colored artwork. Again, most copiers and printers do not print white. However, white decal paper may be used to produce white areas on your decal. Color photos may be used as artwork, but they should be printed on white decal paper so that the white component of the photo is present. Some creativity and experimentation may be required to generate artwork that will produce the desired decals. 2. Print artwork onto the decal paper If you created your artwork on a computer and have a printer, you may print that artwork directly onto the glossy side of the decal paper. If you used an Inkjet printer, you must immediately apply a few thin, but thorough coats of Micro-Mark #82858 Last Step Fixative Spray to seal the printed image on the decal paper; otherwise, it will smear and/or wash off. No top spray is required for Laser or Micro-Dry printed decals, but it does help reduce the chipping of image edges when the decal is trimmed close to the ink. If your artwork was not created on a computer, take your artwork to a copy center and ask for a copy on the glossy side of the decal paper. You may take black artwork and ask your copy center to print it in all one color (except white); example: make an all-red decal from black artwork. Certain copiers can even change the colors of selected rectangular areas of your artwork, or enlarge/reduce your artwork. We have found that the best results are obtained by setting the copier two steps darker than what is normal for printing on plain paper. White lettering is currently available only on Micro-Dry printers (or on the traditional silk-screen method for professionally mass-produced decals). If you have computer art, but do not have a printer, outside services are available that will print art for you on their printer. 3. Apply decal Decals are best applied to a glossy surface. Apply glossy paint or spray a clear gloss coating on your model before applying decals. Carefully cut out the decal from the sheet and, using tweezers, dip the decal (do not soak it) in a cup of plain water. Lay the decal on your work surface for 60 seconds, then slide the decal off the backing paper into position on your model. Gently blot excess water. Allow to dry. Apply a coat of clear finish over the model to seal the decals. For best results, use our #82400 Decal Finishing Set to apply and seal decals. It helps decals conform to irregular surfaces and hides decal film, making your artwork appear to be painted on the model, rather than applied by decal. | |
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