discussion How to stick "decals" printed on plain paper on a model?

[ranasrule]

Greetings,

First post here. The title pretty much says it all....How would one go about sticking "decals" printed on plain paper on a model?

 

[Jack L]

If they are printed on paper, they won't be decals. Decals are a really thin film that (in theory) should conform to the shape of the model, so replicating paint without having a shape of it's own. Paper would be too think for this and would stick out and more than likely discolour. However, if you really wanted to still use this method, slightly thinned white glue (PVA) would probably do the trick. But I don't think you would get a good effect. What is the decal, and what is the model?

 

[Andy T]

Anything other than a really flat surface and I think you'll struggle. I'd go with Jack's idea of thinned pva, maybe soaking the paper first to soften it a little.

I'd do a test first though to make sure the pva doesn't remove the ink.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Did you know you can decal paper for inkjet printers? I think you might get on better if you printed the design onto it. Otherwise, I’d go with Jack and Andy’s suggestions.

 

[Jim R]

I've used the inkjet decal paper Tim mentioned. It works well. Print at the highest quality your printer does. Remember the ink is not waterproof so it needs sealing with a couple of coats of a decal seal or varnish. Just wipe over the first coat once. If you over brush it it will smear the ink. To release the decal lay it face up on wet blotting paper, avoid getting the top surface wet. I don't recommend using a decal setting solution. One further point. Your printer can't print white so if your design has white in it you either need to paint the area on the model white, so the white shows through the clear area or use white, rather than clear, decals paper. If using white paper you have to cut out the design very accurately.

 

[rtfoe]

If it's an image printed on plain paper I would cut it with the paper like printed zinc sheets used on real vehicles like number plates and unit emblems and badges and atick it with PVA or Uhu glue. It's not a decal if there isn't a thin film on the paper the print is on that lifts when soaked in water to be applied on the model.

Cheers,
Richard aka Wabble

 

[ranasrule]

Thank you for the replies everyone. Ill do a few tests and see what works best.