How to Make Decals for Miniatures & Models

Making decals at home is relatively easy provided you have a decent printer. Also quick reviews of both Bare Metal Foil and Testors decal paper.
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Perspectives by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@ajemma78]

5 year old video. Still helping us rookies! Thanks a million!

[@davidaucoin4990]

I must disagree with you about printing on an Inkjet. I had very good results with printing on my HP Inkjet printer. I used the Experts Choice decal sheets for inkjets and my results were near perfect. I felt I didn't need the added expense of buying a new printer and took my chances with my inkjet. I am happy to say that my decals came out very nicely. This makes it easier for me to decal up my SpaceX model rockets that were 3D printed and gives me flexibility when I need a new decal.

[@laneboysrc]

Instead of running the same sheet through multiple times, cut it into smaller pieces. I cut A4 into 4pcs of A6, which is the smallest our printer can handle. Awesome videos!

[@Lierbal]

Great video! I've always wanted to make decals for my Bretonnians and High Elves, but have never followed through with it. Now I've got something to consider. Thank you! :)

[@leolaforest8055]

OMG, I am so glad I found this video. Ive been wanting to make my own decals for a while now!

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

Very informative . I never really thought about my own until this video ! Thanks !

[@swagmanexplores7472]

Thankyou ! Just saved me a fortune in ready made railway decals...

[@frankstanks]

Very informative! Thank you Doctor Faust.

[@cobrawingman]

InkJet is okay, you just need to have a high DPI image and when you print, print as photo - it takes a bit longer to print. Print multiple copies across the page, that way you can choose a good set. Also print from the bottom up, as some printers will jam if the cut out catches inside the printer. I find cutting off the entire width helps in the long run. The only problem is the paper gets shorter and the printer will become confused about the paper size (just feed a normal piece of paper through afterwards). Also, I find sticking the decal sheet down to a normal piece of paper to help if it gets below A5 size ... However I have not tried this, but you could arrange your print runs to fit an A5 size

[@zoltan-8233]

Dear Mark, do you think is a canon pixma mg3650s enough to make good decals on plastic models? I'm planning to make those at home too

[@julianmhall]

@@zoltan-8233 I would suggest - as the video does in fairness - print on plain paper first. Use the highest resolution you can - it's that which matters not the make and mode of printer - and if you're happy with that then try a decal sheet. [Looking at your printer's specification online it seems to print to a pretty good resolution.]

[@craigbergman]

If you export your decal as an svg, you can use svgnest to optimize how many decals you can fit per sheet. Rather than running a sheet through a paper a bunch of times, you might want to nest the design and print a whole sheet.

[@morriganravenchild6613]

Useful advice - thank you.

[@RPGguy1979]

Roger Wilco XD. Thanks for the tip. I might use those for putting images on my merchant and marauder ships

[@MatthewBester]

That was good advice about reusing the same sheet using the same file.

[@eldridgebrown3907]

Your video is excellent. Thanks for making it so clear. Could you advise on how to get solid white decals done?

[@AnyaMRocha]

You can always use white decal paper. Then your colours will be as vibrant as on your test sheet of paper.

[@chadnine3432]

They make white decal paper. You either have to cut out all of the white surrounding the image, or try to match the color of the model , and use that as the background color.

[@tomblack6972]

The title is “how to make decals at home”. Actually, you’re making them at the office with the laser printer. I call that false advertising! 3 Pinocchio’s!

[@Crusader-eh2cv]

I have a laser printer at home.....seems like you are false advertising.

[@Simoncressey99]

I got some white backed paper from a Chinese company for mugs it’s good for terrane as it thicker then most decal paper and you can stretch it an it cracks giving a cool weathered look

[@mikebreazeale2563]

I have used ink jet for years and it works great for me. Color is even great. clear as a bell. I do use a photo printer though. I also have used chart-pack letters or numbers on decal paper. I also use decal bonder from testors. works great. so does the flat/gloss coat. You can also get white decal paper sheets from BMF. I have a few left. Yeah micro sol is good shit. Good video...thanks for sharing...

[@jasons3777]

You can buy white decal paper though obviously if your decal needs seethrough parts, that wont work. The White paper shows the colours much stronger too. Depends on your design as to which you use

[@UKGtrotter2k]

what settings do you use for the laser printer cause i keep getting a paper jam every time i use Bare metal Foils laser white decal paper in my laser printer.

[@MrChief101]

I believe Micro-Mark sells whatever combo needed, clear/white, black toner/inkjet paper at their usual eye-watering prices.

[@tommymisenhimer1056]

What would you recommend for car windows and doors

[@johnwwest8407]

Hi, do you know how decals that come in kits (with the white undercoat) are made? I would like to be able to do that at home.

[@SewTexas]

Thanks for sharing

[@jenniferann7375]

I have a question what type of laser printer inexpensive do you recommend and what type of waterslide paper doesn’t need to be sealed?

[@theforgottendemon]

what would work well On something painted black for someone who can only use a inkjet printer

[@davedogge2280]

The only way I can do elaborate banners on fantasy miniatures. I'm gong to give it a go. The decal printer sheets for lasers are expensive. I bought clear paper laser decal and white paper laser decal. I don't want to waste a single inch of the paper either so I'm going to try and fit everything I can on there and test with standard paper before hand.

[@davidpark905]

Any tips on if you want a non glossy matte finish decal?

[@undercooked117]

I really enjoyed the MST3K reference to "weenie man" at the end.

[@jamescameron-clarke2560]

I'm gonna curl up in his sock drawer, and sleep for days.

[@undercooked117]

​@@jamescameron-clarke2560 "Cal? Cal, I'm stuck! AAAAAH!!!" "Industry! Science and technology! Big men, putting screwdrivers into things. Turning them, and adjusting them!" Seriously one of my favorite MST3K movies.

[@DaytonaRoadster]

thanks, i got an imperial knight...and i cant free hand, so this is a big help. Also...are you making an interocitor in there??

[@mechachrist]

"Heyyy... Miss Interocitor!"

[@claysilverness6539]

Thank you for this video. Question: Have you played with painting the model white in the area you will place the decal printed on clear backed decal sheet? Comment: I've never used a printer for decals (although I am looking forward to trying), but while making Paper Models printed from an Inkjet, I had inquired to HP if the make a more durable ink. They said they did (misremembering the product name), it was called something along the lines of Premium Photo Ink. The HP rep assured me it can be used on any paper, but the product description mentioned 'for use with HP premium photo paper.' I did not order the product. But I am commenting to suggest that various inkjet inks, may explain varying decal results.

[@thethirdman225]

“Can’t print white”… Hmmm… didn’t think of that. Thanks for the tip about the Testors white backing decal paper.

[@EasterlyArt]

What do you suggest for people who want to print with white ink on clear decal paper?

[@maxmerbaum1339]

Hi, very helpful video. Question for you: do you need to cut around the perimeter of the decal design, or does the decal slide off naturally when wet? Thanks!

[@ThePaintingClinic]

You have to cut it out. The sheet is just one big decal.

[@maxmerbaum1339]

@@ThePaintingClinic Gotcha. Thank you!

[@rtd8934]

I need some advice. I'm printing my own waterslide decals on ink jet. When I tried applying the decal to a black background it practically disappeared. Is there fix for getting decals to show up on a dark surface, printer setting etc.?

[@TGsports_Free2watch]

Love the MST3K theme at the beginning.

[@yasirbhojani]

@Doctor Faust's Painting Clinic Hey! Thanks for the video! Liked and Subscribed! One question though, how do you know for sure if the decal will fit the model? For instance, if you were doing a car in a particular scale. You found a decal that aligns perfectly with the car door. You wanted to print it so that it would align perfectly with the scale you are working with. How would you resize it like that? Or is it just trial and error and a LOT of wastage?!

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Print them on regular paper and test fit until you get the right size.

[@bleedinggumsroberts3579]

Thank you

[@amw4736]

I have to say I enjoyed the video and you have some great models there! nice work. I will tell you that your probably not helping testors out...perhaps it is not the product but rather your methods. Why not try using a spray fixative on the print FIRST after you have printed it. Let that set and dry. Then you can apply the decal however you want and use the micro sol or other finish coat last. I image that will work out much better for you.

[@carlostorres1865]

Can I use decal paper on officejet 4500 1200x2400 dpi

[@willierants5880]

I've used my InkJet with Testor's Decal Film and Bonder. I agree, the results will be much much better using a laser printer. My decals came out just fine for what I was using them for, but for something like the "Moon Patrol" logo I don't think my setup would've produced adequate results. When using inkjet and the spray bonder, just slay down a few thin coats allowing each coat to dry completely. It dries fast enough. That will keep the ink from bleeding.

[@williamaitken7533]

That cab looks incredible! Are you planning on doing a video for it? I'm honestly really confused how Testors stays in business. I've tried a variety of their products and always found them to be "meh" while also being more expensive than alternatives. I guess they just have brand recognition?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

They are the McDonalds of the modeling world. They are everywhere.

[@darkstorminc]

doesn't help you can't find Army Painter, Reaper, P3, etc at the local Wal-mart (where most parents buy plastic model kits for their kids)

[@maxshow7949]

Nice!)

[@ThisOLmaan]

what free software can one print miniatures prints ?

[@noahfremont6310]

Are these waterproof for my RC boat?

[@ELPaso1990TX]

I think it actually looks better on the dark surface like its weathered.

[@fsecofficial]

Get a UV flatbed printer and you can print white backing. Offset your path in illustrator and create a bleed.

[@halfofacouch2397]

Will this work for model trains?

[@obscuremix8198]

I want to make some for my NEO GEO pocket color game cartridges.

[@DeliciousCornbread]

The irony of using the Games Workshop logo when talking about copyright is not lost on me, amazing.

[@kanati]

Haha. My exact thought. He says that and picks a games workshop logo and I was all “nope. Now you are demonetized, sued, and your children are going to community college instead of Ivy League.”

[@slingshot427]

Can you put one decal over the other for more intense color?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Theoretically, yes.

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

what size are those sheets?

[@oritomi0]

What is the decal editing program name?

[@harryhathaway1086]

I just picked up Testors decal paper #9203T AND a $40. HP OfficeJet 5212 Printer . I am asuming I dont need my computer connected for what I want to do but Im completely new to this so I may be wrong. For now I just want to scan a business card,print it then use that to re-copy till I have the size I need . Im hoping thats all there is to it ?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

A copy of a copy of a copy is going to look terrible in the end. Best to hook it up to a computer and adjust the scale.

[@rickshira6717]

What Program do you use??

[@soviet9366]

I don't think the Testor's products are widely available in the UK - can anyone out there suggest alternative bonding agents? Would just a few airbrushed coats of vallejo mat varnish do the job?

[@UKGtrotter2k]

humbrol clear lacquer

[@customcultr7067]

Link for blue back water slide decal paper

[@redgreen09]

well goood to know i got some havent try it got look at it but i hare you ues wax peper and do yhah old ones but haven try that to haven had big kits to need decails and do lot with pens to well will see and as go that to

[@RamGilamar]

alright, in case anyone will read this, what's your advice for printing a logo with a lot of white for my black APCs/Helicopters?

[@edymaria8195]

Use transparent paper and make the logo a bit darker

[@RamGilamar]

@@edymaria8195 Wow, somebody actually read this.

[@edymaria8195]

@@RamGilamar yep

[@IshanDeston]

Have you tried double printing it? Printing the thing white and then running the same sheet through it again, to print color over it.

[@GrawlysLair]

Kajan451 where did you find a printer that prints white? You have to use white decal paper to get white on a home made decal

[@IshanDeston]

There are printer that can print white. You need a cmyw printer, and while you probably haven't one at home, a copy shop could very well have cmyw printer and might be able to do the print out for you. Oki Pro 8432WT is a model with a white toner, for example.

[@CafeenMan]

What I do is first print on a regular piece of paper. Then I cut decal paper and tape it over the print and then send it back through the printer. That way I'm not heating up the decal paper over and over. Also not risking a jam that ruins the whole sheet.

[@mikeschnobrich1807]

Thanks for sharing your technique. I was thinking about trying the same thing. I wonder if a laser cutter could be used to cut the decal out from the decal sheet. If this is possible, imagine all the possibilities.

[@brandoncunningham8403]

after sealing with Lacquer, will micro sol and set still work properly???

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Yes, but they are still extremely delicate. Only use if absolutely needed.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

I would be interested in knowing what time had transpired between making the decal, and when you applied it. This could very well effects the application of the Set/Sol, because of the "green" nature of the ink, and the lacquer applied to the decal, and why it was effected so drastically by the Sol. Laquers have a few of the ingredient contained in Sol which allow the paint to flow, and bind to the surface, if these have not cured fully or else dried out, then the Sol could be absorbed in a flash right into the decal, and severely weaken its composition.

[@toeknee1100]

I would like to thank me for flying Me Airways!

[@doge_sfm]

1:49 what is website call?

[@azuritet3]

the problem with toner is that it's more expensive than the printer.

[@julianmhall]

You get what you pay for. A good quality inkjet printer should easily be capable of this, provided of course the original image is a good quality /high/ resolution one and you print at a similarly /high/ resolution. As the saying goes 'You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear' so if the image or the output is low resolution you'll get rubbish no matter how good the printer is. Note also the video is 2018 and American, so quoted prices won't be accurate. Tip. Print to file outputs the image to PDF and keeps the same size. Then print the PDF and see if you're happy with the size and colour.

[@dbroadwayvfx]

No Franklin updates?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Waiting on the decals.

[@seadogharris2102]

You must use Acrylic Clear Gloss - NOT enamel. That's why your inkjet decals are lifting.

[@smackbottom53]

Is that the “Space Sheriff” Comando Cody rocket? Made by Herb Deek? Is it still available for purchase anywhere? Would love to buy it but can’t find it. Thanks

[@ThePaintingClinic]

It's from Pegasus Hobbies. I believe it's Rocketship X-M.

[@smackbottom53]

Thanks. I found the model. And your video. Can you tell me where you bought the rocket nozzles?

[@smackbottom53]

Also,what was the “latex” you were scraping off the windows? Something to mask your windows while painting? Sry to be a bother about this.

[@ThePaintingClinic]

@@smackbottom53 Local store, Brookhurst Hobbies. I Think they were from Bandai.

[@ThePaintingClinic]

@@smackbottom53 Liquid latex for masking. I don't remember the brand. Any will do. I like the Humbrol Maskol, but you can get liquid latex from any craft store.

[@maxlove3d42]

Is this for water decals or dry decals ?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

Waterslide.

[@chas290620]

mine won't grab the paper to slipper

[@harryhathaway1086]

Used testors print paper. Its wayyyy too thick. You can see the edges and It lifts around the edges like there is no adhesive. Has anybody else had negative results with testers and had better results with another brand ?

[@joeskis]

Robot roll call!!

[@arkhamasylum8382]

you are messing with my head with the ice cream truck music in the background....

[@ReaverLordTonus]

Only problem is you can't print white decals, so no ultramarine minis.

[@groundedorca3039]

I'm surprised Games Workshop hasn't taken your video down considering their ambitious past few months 😆

[@Garuda5]

Canon?

[@plamenplamenof3567]

The ink tank system appears to be much better than the cartridge system kzbin.infoUgkxciSwynMJ7PnUvvx11rewiu-yFBkZTl53 and a lot cheaper to run. The machine was easy to set up. A small point but I thought they'd be a USB cable included to help with the set up but there was none. I've been using it now for a few weeks and it seems like a good product and superior to my previous printers which were all troublesome HP machines.

[@tommyd2235]

Why can’t you do white?

[@TrochezCovers]

is because normal printers rely on the color of the paper (white) to achive white tones, since normal printers doesnt have white ink, the decal paper is transparent film, not white.

[@dakel20]

You can print white... Unfortunately, you need an ALPS printer, and its basically dead at this point as far as I know. Great video otherwise.

[@tommyd2235]

Kommkat what do you mean by basically dead?

[@dakel20]

To the best of my understanding, the ALPS printer is only really kept alive now by hobbyists.

[@kanati]

Couple of companies make white toner for regular laser printers now as well.

[@AndreasPeahc]

I can't find a single other comment pointing this out but the title says "makes a decal" instead of "make a decal" like the thumbnail.

[@ThePaintingClinic]

There's where the S went! Been looking for it.

[@lordofmidgets8247]

In b4 GW hunts Faust down and sue him into oblivion then KZbin destroys his channel for including a German UFO on it.

[@benhadaway3322]

So experts choice says you can print white if you use their white paper. Is this not true? How does GW print all those white ultramarine symbols?

[@ThePaintingClinic]

No. It just leaves the areas where you don't print white instead of clear. GW and the like have very expensive professional printers that can print white.

[@douglasmitchell5033]

the ink is the cost

[@charliebonfield2611]

Well this won’t work for my black space marines

[@ralhmcc47]

2023 price $17.23

[@restored2golrythrift411]

Anyone here ever thought to make and sell your decals to hobbyist?

[@ludvigspolander1492]

a

[@bobidit5886]

all those people with their dot matrix printers must be raging, so unfair.

[@demonhogo]

how has this industry stayed so stagnant?

[@darrelldrake4703]

This guy talks too much, typical of You Tube 'How T'o' videos.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

Thank you for not pronouncing it 'dekkel'.

[@emmanuelgeorges]

Too much talk, so boring

[@tomcook5813]

My biggest issue is decals of white lettering for my model trains, how do you print white?