For the clear decal, it might make things a lot easier to remove (or cover over with white) the center portion in your software and leave only the outer ring, then you don't have to worry about blurring the details of the decal.
It would actually better to remove the detail from the background print, rather than the transparency, so the red type is on a solid white circle. But as in my reply to a similar comment I wanted to demo by using exactly the same files to keep it simple.
Nice job, but you could do it a little differently and possibly easier...1 print a black circle outline as a guide to just cut out the white disc to go behind the coloured clear decal. 2 paint the top of the clear printed decal white and slide on upside down...your decal print is reversed prior to putting on the vehicle. utube videos showed the technique for clear decals on dark back grounds
I have a dspiae rotary circle cutter that lets you dial in the exact circle size which would work great with this method. It's the abstract shaped decals that I'm wondering if I can tackle haha
Another question. I can already print on transparent vinyl (dark colours anyway) and get good results but the resulting sticker is usually quite thick....I assume the decal material is usually a lot thinner? I've not used them since I was a child (some time ago!) and I remember them being very thin compared to vinyl stickers
I have done this before on some 1/144 scale aircraft and AFVs and it does work but alignment is definitely the key. As for colour matching when the white isn't outlined by, say, black, again this can be done but it is extremely difficult to get the colours exactly right. It is further complicated when you think you've nailed the colour but, the moment you apply the decal, you realise the colour of the decal sheet backing paper had an influence and the tone isn't as good as you'd hoped.
Well presented video, and great tip about white and transparent decal sheet. It looks like the second decal (clear one) is to put the wider border to secure the edges. Why not just use unprinted clear over the printed decal? Why do you print the clear one?
You may be able to get them from a craft shop, but failing that they are readily available online - search 'waterslide decal paper'. Just make sure you get the InkJet type. The decal surface itself is very thin, most of the bulk being the carrier paper. Very much like the transfers for Airfix kits etc.
@@paterpracticus thanks for the quick reply. I take it if I use an inkjet printer I will have to seal the surface else the ink will run when placed in water?
Yes, the same acrylic varnish is good for both InkJet and laser printing. You don't actually have to seal laser prints, but it does protect the surface. You definitely have to for InkJet - check out my previous video here: ua-cam.com/video/BriLaf8wvy0/v-deo.htmlsi=H0kPOmzQgri_LegM
White lettering is the most challenging aspect of making your own decals. The only way is to match the background as best you can as at the end of the video. It requires a bit of trial and error, but the results can be quite effective.
Very interesting approach! Question…Maybe I'm missing something here, but why not just lay down a plain white circle, then place the color art done on the clear backing on top of it? This way you would avoid the finicky registration work or your design.
The second overlay sorts out the edges of the decal, from my roughly cut circle to an accurate edge. The centre part stays much the same - which is what we want.
For the clear decal, it might make things a lot easier to remove (or cover over with white) the center portion in your software and leave only the outer ring, then you don't have to worry about blurring the details of the decal.
It would actually better to remove the detail from the background print, rather than the transparency, so the red type is on a solid white circle. But as in my reply to a similar comment I wanted to demo by using exactly the same files to keep it simple.
Cutting a circle by hand. Good luck with that !😊
It doesn't have to be perfect. It gets covered up by the transparent decal over the top.
Nice job, but you could do it a little differently and possibly easier...1 print a black circle outline as a guide to just cut out the white disc to go behind the coloured clear decal. 2 paint the top of the clear printed decal white and slide on upside down...your decal print is reversed prior to putting on the vehicle. utube videos showed the technique for clear decals on dark back grounds
Great tip. Thanks.
make a vid lol
You may want to use some Round Shape Paper Punchers. Insert the paper and look thru the whole to align it before you punch/cut it out.
Good suggestion, but would need to be the exact sizes for each.
I have a dspiae rotary circle cutter that lets you dial in the exact circle size which would work great with this method. It's the abstract shaped decals that I'm wondering if I can tackle haha
@@ZILLA.... maybe a cricut.
great solution, saw someone use a lacquer marker to paint right on the decal to get colors to pop on dark surfaces and thats not as accurate
Glad you liked it. You could of course paint the background first under the decal - in my case a white circle - but that does add a whole extra job.
Another question. I can already print on transparent vinyl (dark colours anyway) and get good results but the resulting sticker is usually quite thick....I assume the decal material is usually a lot thinner? I've not used them since I was a child (some time ago!) and I remember them being very thin compared to vinyl stickers
Yeah waterslide decal paper is very thin. A clear coat makes them almost blend right in
Nice idea. Could you use an all white decal as the first decal? That way there is less need to line up the second decal accurately.
Yes, that would work, but I think the lining up is actually made easier with the type - and you know it really is exactly the same.
I have done this before on some 1/144 scale aircraft and AFVs and it does work but alignment is definitely the key. As for colour matching when the white isn't outlined by, say, black, again this can be done but it is extremely difficult to get the colours exactly right. It is further complicated when you think you've nailed the colour but, the moment you apply the decal, you realise the colour of the decal sheet backing paper had an influence and the tone isn't as good as you'd hoped.
Well presented video, and great tip about white and transparent decal sheet. It looks like the second decal (clear one) is to put the wider border to secure the edges. Why not just use unprinted clear over the printed decal? Why do you print the clear one?
Awsome!
Glad you think so!
Nice video, thanks. Whereabouts do you get your decal sheets from? I've got an inkjet and you've inspired me to have a go at doing my own decals :)
You may be able to get them from a craft shop, but failing that they are readily available online - search 'waterslide decal paper'. Just make sure you get the InkJet type. The decal surface itself is very thin, most of the bulk being the carrier paper. Very much like the transfers for Airfix kits etc.
@@paterpracticus thanks for the quick reply. I take it if I use an inkjet printer I will have to seal the surface else the ink will run when placed in water?
Yes, the same acrylic varnish is good for both InkJet and laser printing. You don't actually have to seal laser prints, but it does protect the surface. You definitely have to for InkJet - check out my previous video here: ua-cam.com/video/BriLaf8wvy0/v-deo.htmlsi=H0kPOmzQgri_LegM
@@paterpracticus fab thanks, will check out the other vid! :)
nice solution, what about white letters?
White lettering is the most challenging aspect of making your own decals. The only way is to match the background as best you can as at the end of the video. It requires a bit of trial and error, but the results can be quite effective.
Very interesting approach! Question…Maybe I'm missing something here, but why not just lay down a plain white circle, then place the color art done on the clear backing on top of it? This way you would avoid the finicky registration work or your design.
Yes, that would have been enough in my example, but I really wanted to demonstrate the technique for more complex designs too.
I just cut the whole page into a6 size, now I can print small batches at a time
Great idea. Not all printers can handle smaller sheets than A4, but great if yours can.
Is the printer different for this?
Is it possible with a normal printer?
No special printer required - just a completely normal inkjet or laser printer.
Why did you not just use a white center on the first layer (No text etc) that would reduce the lineup making it a lot easyer.
I could have, but I wanted to show how using exactly the same files, printed on white and transparent would work with any design.
Didn't see any difference after 2nd phase...
The second overlay sorts out the edges of the decal, from my roughly cut circle to an accurate edge. The centre part stays much the same - which is what we want.