The Bottom Line
Pros
- Easy to use, just print as you do on paper
- Available in single sheets or larger packs
- Any graphic can be made into a decal
Cons
- Printers have no white ink, need white paper decal sheets for white designs
- Decals should be coated with Liquid Decal Film after printing
Description
- Colors print on the film very similar to the results on paper.
- Decals are easy to apply and adhere well.
- Fine detail is possible in any scale
- Ink does not smudge
- Decal backing melds into background, decals used on clear surfaces must be trimmed so backing is not obvious.
- Decals can be made very thin which allows them to mold over contour lines.
Guide Review - Ink Jet Decal Sheets
Custom decals have many uses in miniatures. Traditionally they are used to transfer logos and insignia onto scale model cars, boats and airplanes, but they can be used for any application where a clear backed graphic design needs to be applied.
Experts-Choice decals are printed on a clear or white sheet of decal paper (depending on whether white is part of your design) using an ink jet printer. Laser sheets are also available for use with laser printers or photocopiers. Decals are removed from the backing paper by soaking them in water. To protect the ink jet images from smudging Expert's Choice recommend you coat them with Microscale Liquid Decal Film after printing them. If you need a thicker decal, you can apply several coats of film.
The decals can then be applied to any surface, including plastic or paper. Traditional logos and signs can be applied to railroad stock, cars, or airplanes. For less traditional uses you can shrink artwork and apply it to miniature bottles or other packaging, or make miniature travel labels for suitcases, or car windows. You can easily use the decal sheets to create sheets of a floral design to apply to dollhouse resin or paper plates, including using your own photos of people or pets. Bathroom tiles or scrollwork can be easily added to bathroom fixtures. Grid or stained glass designs, or custom signs can be applied to windows. Custom logos can be created and applied to shopfronts, model cars, carts, or any other miniature.
Experts-Choice Decals are a very thin and delicate decal, which will follow contours well. A brush can be used to smooth them out into place on detailed surfaces.
