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Author Topic: Who will make custom decals?  (Read 842 times)

Offline wwwarbird

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Who will make custom decals?
« on: October 08, 2008, 07:33:32 AM »
 I'm looking for someone who is capable/willing to make a couple of small custom decals for a "Buster" model I'm currently finishing up, it's nearly ready for paint at this point. I need a pair of the old style Kendall oil decals and a pair of Sohio oil decals, 1-1/4" and 1-3/4" respectively. Maybe they are already available somewhere?
 Any help will be appreciated...

 Thanks! D>K
Narrowly averting disaster since 1964! 

Wayne Willey
Albert Lea, MN U.S.A. IC C/L Aircraft Modeler, Ex AMA member

Offline David Shad

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Re: Who will make custom decals?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2008, 09:35:45 AM »
Seems to me Jim Snelson does that. Control Line Central.
Big Dave AMA 80235

Offline Andrew Hathaway

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Re: Who will make custom decals?
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2008, 10:54:51 AM »
It's really easy to print decals yourself.  All you need is a clear picture of the image you want on your decal, some photo editing software, an inkjet printer, and decal paper. 

I usually go to Google and do an image search for the logo or marking. 
The paper is available from various sources, but I got mine from the local Hobby Lobby.  They're 5.5 x 8.5" sheets from Testors, either in white or clear for plastic models.  Some other brands might be larger but I can usually get the markings I need on a small sheet without much waste.
I use Photoshop to work with the graphic, adjusting the size as needed.  Then I create a blank document in Photoshop with the 5.5 x 8.5" canvas and I can lay out as many decals as I can fit on the sheet.
Under the print preferences, set the paper setting to photo paper, and print.
The finished sheets probably need to be treated to be fuel proof.  A search can find information on what other people use, but I just airbrush on a dry coat of clear butyrate dope, followed a bit later with a couple wet coats.
Once they're on the plane I followed up with the clear coats over everything to seal them in. 

I'm in the middle of finishing my second plane using homemade decals, but this one doesn't have a dope based finish.  I'm not sure how well the decals will hold up without a final clear coat to seal everything down. 

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