discussion Custom Decals

[John]

I’ve considered buying a printer that can print white for quite some time to do custom decals, they have come down in price since last time I looked at them, although they are still £3k and the white toners are around £300, same as all the other colours, so it’s not cheap but just wanted some feedback see if it’s a service you would use?

I haven’t looked too deep in to it but I would guess I would sell an A5 decal sheet for £10 including delivery

 

[Tim Marlow]

Sorry John, not something I’d use myself.

 

[flyjoe180]

It could be a service I would utilise John. Would you design the decals in house, or need pictures/scans of the actual markings? That's rather pricey for the equipment though, you'd really want to be pushing it hard to the wider audience

 

[John]

It could be a service I would utilise John. Would you design the decals in house, or need pictures/scans of the actual markings? That's rather pricey for the equipment though, you'd really want to be pushing it hard to the wider audience

That is why I’m trying to gauge some sort of need for the product, the way it would work the customer would upload the graphics to our website and lay them out, so they could squeeze loads on, I would then print it, I would also be able to have pre-made ones

 

[Geoffers]

I don’t think it’s something I would use John to be honest.

Geoff.

 

[Neil Merryweather]

for a tenner for a sheet of A5 I can think of some things, but to be honest I would probably only use it the once.

 

[pjgtech]

Hi John......As above it might be something I'd use once or very, very occasionally, not something I'd be buying on a regular basis. Sorry.
But, having done a quick search, there does not seem to be many people offering the service, especially the custom design bit, where people upload their own images, etc, so..... either a gap in the market? or not enough demand for the product? Cheers

 

[John]

I've been asked a few times over the years, but probably not enough to make it worth while, it might be more hassle than it's worth

 

[Ian M]

I purchased three different sets of RAF serials and codes, also some sets with RAF roundels and tail flashes. That was not long after I joined here as it happens. I still have way over half of them left. lol
I had a serial printed for a 1/24 spitfire due to the unique style of the lettering. in white as well. I fear it is one of those things that if you have one you will probably find uses for it.
The RC truck guys are maybe a good punt. They will pay to get custom signage for their 'toys' Maybe a market there.

 

[Andy T]

The RC truck guys are maybe a good punt. They will pay to get custom signage for their 'toys' Maybe a market there.

I'd agree.

I follow a guy on Farcebook that only does truck decals, and he's always in demand.

 

[John]

I’ve ordered some decal paper to see how they turn out using my laser printer, they might look

 

[rtfoe]

I would be interested John having so many old kits with obscure yellowed markings but the postage would kill me unless its a bulk order. Have to strike lottery first I'm afraid. Still...options are open.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Ian M]

Another opportunity for you John Have you looked at a Cri-cut. Its a plotter/cutter. Amongst its many talents are cutting masks or lettering in sticky vinyl. both removable (as paint masks) or Permanent (as in lettering or graphics). Not as thin as decals but Those RC guys love them for their RC trucks/cars, boats and aircraft.
They can cut all kinds of stuff. As a bonus the misses can use it as well for greeting cards lol

 

[John]

A lot cheaper than the printer

 

[Andy T]

Another opportunity for you John Have you looked at a Cri-cut.

Ooh, now that's more like it.

I can print decals at home quite cost effectively. Obviously I can't print white but can usually get around that with a white paper or background.

However, whilst a cricut or silhouette is on my wish list I could never justify the cost for occasional use.

Having a service where I could upload a design and have it cut out on something like Oramask 810 would definitely come in handy. Still only occasionally of course, but I would certainly use it.

 

[Ian M]

LOL another reason I probably would not use a print service is having a local guy that has a print shop. He has some very expensive toys:
A printer that has a dozen colours! including white that can print onto pretty much everything...He has a Euro-pallet he has printed directly onto!
Need a large print no problem. The next special is a printer/plotter that can print 3m wide x the whole roll in length. That too can print on anything as long as its flat. Sorry I digress.
If you really have the time John and want a side line how about a ultra HD 3D resin printer. No model work just print out.