What type of paper for decals

[Kolgrim DeathHowl]

Hey all I'm looking into getting some Inquisition decals, I found the different types I wanted. Just curious what type of paper is it they sell to make them yourself, or should I order some specific type? Like would walmart have it?

[Axineton]

This may be useful mate. Couple of years old mind you: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/143757-ye-olde-decal-project/?do=findComment&comment=1665629

[Kolgrim DeathHowl]

Cool thank you!!

[Carlson793]

In addition to the link Axineton shared (loads of good info there) let me add this. There are two big things to consider with decal paper:

• Select the right paper for your printer (inkjet or laser)
• Select the right opacity for your application (clear or white)

With the clear or white paper, there are other considerations.

• CLEAR PAPER: Since it's unlikely you have a white underpainting printer (they're pricey), when applying decals on clear paper, be aware that the color of the underlying background will show through. Black images will be fine on any background (the background will just make it a bit darker). If you apply a color decal to a white background, you'll be fine, but applying a color decal (say blue) on a different colored background (say yellow) will add the two colors together (green). At the same time, lighter decals on darker backgrounds will become almost invisible.

• WHITE PAPER: Printing to white decal paper, your image will look exactly like you want... except that wherever your image doesn't print will be white. You can get around this by printing your image with a background color that's a close match to your painted surface, then carefully blending the decal edges into your model with your background paint.

[Carlson793]

Oh, and forgot to mention the work around for having color clear decals show up on your model in the correct color without a white underpainting printer: double decaling.

• When prepping your decals, you make two versions of each - one full color and the other just a black outline.
• Affix the black outline version to your model (see Winterdyne's tutorial in my sig for best practices).
• Carefully paint the outline version with white paint (stay inside the lines, children!).
• Start the decal application process again, this time using the color decal.

With a white background, the colors on the clear paper decal will appear the way you want.

[thewarriorhunter]

I've been seriously considering going the DIY route for several months but after researching and reading I've come to the conclusion that having them proffesionally printed might be the better option. Carlson brings up points that I've been considering and what I feel it amounts to is a lot of time spent making them look the way I want. There are services out there that will print with the white underlay and I think in the end the time saved from that is worth the premium price (for me). I love DIY and want to do as much as I can whether it's car repairs, house projects, or hobby, but there is a point where spending money to save time/effort makes sense.

 

I wanted to throw that out there as something to consider.

[Kolgrim DeathHowl]

Thanks for the info all, the professional route is a good consideration too. For me it would just be for my Inquisition stuff so I might just free hand the I as best I can.

[crimsondave]

I've had pretty good luck with World Paper for my inkjet.  Found out the hard way at first not to put too much clear on it or they will be very thick.