Custom Decal Question?

macvsog · Post by **macvsog** » Thu Oct 28, 2004 12:26 pm

first let me just say that what i know of decals is so limited its comical.

So, i know photoshop and illistrator pretty well... and i was looking at www.decalpaper.com and i figured i might as well try to make my own decals for some of my customs.

so i have a few question for you guys... first would it be better to use illistrator or photoshop? I guess photoshop? but i dunno on this one.

second is the paper available at decalpaper.com good paper?

and third, my only problem with decals is that i always end up tearing them off after age and time has gotten to them.

so is there a way of sealing decals on so that they have some more durability? future floor wax perhaps?

also are there any sites or books that give refrences and data as to life size or detailed views of vehicle numbers, markings, stars, swastikas, etc. so that i will be able to know how big these were in real life... and so i can have a good picture of what i need to be making?

Im excited for this... oh and im not doing this o start a business or anything, just for myself.

thanks

-mike-

macvsog · Post by **macvsog** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 1:00 pm

Or really i guess i could just do with any good pictures of said items... and an idea of what their size would have been?

Boss Blue · Post by **Boss Blue** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 8:33 pm

Hope I can offer some insight:

I have been designing and printing my own decals for a little over two years now.

Illustrator is by far superior for the inital artwork if you have the skills, as Vector images are of course scalable without any loss of resolution. Photoshop is a bit easier to design and print from, but you must make the files larger than normal, and scale down to avoind the decals appearing pixellated.

As for printing them, I have no knowledge about inkjet or laser decals. I print on an ALPS MicroDry 5000.

As for application and sealing, I reccomend using Decal Setting Solution (Soften the decal and makes it settle into every little crevice...I use SolvaSet) followed by a clear top coat, Future floor wax for Glossy, and Usually Model Master for Dull, to protect the decals.

Good Luck!

BB

macvsog · Post by **macvsog** » Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:13 pm

thanks for your reply... great advice.

now all i need to know is what the size should be of the decals... i guess i can figure it out somehow.

-mike-