Making Your Own Decals
Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2003 10:45 am
I'm starting this thread so we can all share our knowledge and experiences in making decals, if you have something useful to add, please do!
I'll start off with what I know...
Which is better, inkjet or laser printers?
Laser printers are better, they print in better detail and don't leave "dots" of ink like inkjet printers do. Both work, but laser is better.
Do they sell specific paper for both printers?
Yes. You can can get clear or white sheets for either laser or inkjet printers.
Most printers don't print with white ink, what should I do?
Either use white decal paper or use clear decal paper and put your decal on a white background.
How should I make my decals?
- find or make your graphic and size it to the size you'll need. do a couple of "test prints" on regular paper so you can see if you need to make any adjustments.
- once your graphic is ready, just put your decal paper in your printer and print away.
- once done printing, let the sheet sit out for awhile before you touch it, or you could smear the ink. once completely dry you should add a clear coat of some sort to help protect the graphic and make it easier to apply. you can use thin coats of clear coat paint just as you would with your cars or they also sell decal clear coat specific for decals. on inkjet printers and water slide decals - it is a must that you coat the decals or you will get bleeding. laser printers don't always need the clear coat but it is still a good protector.
- once the clear coat is completely dried, you're ready to cut out your decals and start applying them.
I'll start off with what I know...
Which is better, inkjet or laser printers?
Laser printers are better, they print in better detail and don't leave "dots" of ink like inkjet printers do. Both work, but laser is better.
Do they sell specific paper for both printers?
Yes. You can can get clear or white sheets for either laser or inkjet printers.
Most printers don't print with white ink, what should I do?
Either use white decal paper or use clear decal paper and put your decal on a white background.
How should I make my decals?
- find or make your graphic and size it to the size you'll need. do a couple of "test prints" on regular paper so you can see if you need to make any adjustments.
- once your graphic is ready, just put your decal paper in your printer and print away.
- once done printing, let the sheet sit out for awhile before you touch it, or you could smear the ink. once completely dry you should add a clear coat of some sort to help protect the graphic and make it easier to apply. you can use thin coats of clear coat paint just as you would with your cars or they also sell decal clear coat specific for decals. on inkjet printers and water slide decals - it is a must that you coat the decals or you will get bleeding. laser printers don't always need the clear coat but it is still a good protector.
- once the clear coat is completely dried, you're ready to cut out your decals and start applying them.
"hic"