DIY Decals - MORE Sci-Fi graphics up for grabs.16th May

[6milPhil]

Just got hold of some decal paper, printed out a sheet and then read the instructions which reckons you have to spray "transparent gloss oil" on them next... what the bloody hell is that?

[carlos marighela]

Just got hold of some decal paper, printed out a sheet and then read the instructions which reckons you have to spray "transparent gloss oil" on them next... what the bloody hell is that?

Do they mean the Microsol type decal setting solutions you use to place them or is it something required to cure the decal?

[6milPhil]

Apparently to cure the decal.

[Watts]

I've made decals from a kit in the past. It included a can of gloss varnish that was used to seal everything after the printing was done. Perhaps they are referring to something like that? I think the kit was from Testors.

I remember the sheet needing a really good coat of the sealant - I think I gave it two or three good coats and let it dry really well. If you put it on too lightly the ink from the printer just melts away.

[6milPhil]

Ahhhh, thanks. Just confirmed that with this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TwIc20F5qis#t=285

[Neldoreth]

Is it just me, or is that a crazy amount of work?!? It would be faster to paint those union jacks wouldn't it?

Thanks
n.

[Mr. Peabody]

Nah, it's pretty easy stuff. Print, allow to dry. Spray varnish & allow to dry x2. Cut and use decal as per usual.

Choose a quality spray varnish that provides UV protection because the average injet ink is notoriously prone to fading.

[6milPhil]

Had a bash with the gloss varnish spray, not helped by having been sold a duff can, First attempts all failures, a tiny amount of bleeding and decals too thin to handle. I've put another coat on it, and will likely do another too. I'm tempted to paint gloss varnish on... thoughts?

[Svennn]

You can also brush Microsol over the printed paper instead of spraying.  Benefits are single coat needed and it dries quickly.  A bit of a chore if you are doing full A4 sheets but more reliable for the odd one or two.

[6milPhil]

Ahhh I have microsol, I'll give it a try.

[Mitch K]

I've had no problems with spray-on clear-coat laquer, or with thin brushed coats of yacht varnish, actually.

[Infman]

I did some yesterday using an inkjet printer then covering them with Microsol Liquid Decal Film.

[zizi666]

Can I ask what decal paper and which printer you're using ?
I tried printing some Microscale decal paper with my Canon MP550 but the ink doesn't fill, it creates small pools.
Very nice if you're into pointillism, but not something I want 

[Mr. Peabody]

You can also brush Microsol over the printed paper instead of spraying.  Benefits are single coat needed and it dries quickly.  A bit of a chore if you are doing full A4 sheets but more reliable for the odd one or two.

Microsol? I've used it for setting decals, many times, but don't understand how it would protect inkjet ink on top of print-your-own decal paper?

[Svennn]

I did some yesterday using an inkjet printer then covering them with Microsol Liquid Decal Film.