Alternatives to waterslide decals?

[Kaede45]

I want to make & place symbols on some of my completed minis, but I have no idea how to use waterslide decals or have any means of producing my own for symbols. I could probably paint them on some (or have somebody paint them for me), but I was wondering if anyone knows of any sort of “alternatives” to using waterslide decals? Maybe stickers or something like that? Also, if anyone knows of any good places to purchase such decals & even get customized ones, I would be very appreciative. Preferably something that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg, but anything inexpensive & quality will work. Whatever comes to your mind, anything helps. Thank you all & God bless!

[Brother Anderson]

Decals can be tricky, especially on curved or irregular edges, but once you get the knack of them they can be alright to do. I recommend micro sol and micro set, I followed this tutorial which I found helpful.

 

I don't know if you've got an airbrush, but one thing you can do for larger transfers on flat surfaces is to carefully cut out the design on a decal, masking tape it to the model and then use it as a stencil. That might work with a brush or sponge too but I've not tried it.

[crimsondave]

Just being honest, you’re going to be better off practicing with waterslide decals.  I’ve made my own before, years ago.  It’s not hard unless you want white, then it gets more complicated.  Now days you can pay someone to make them for you on places like Etsy, just read the reviews closely.  Microset and Microsol are key.  There’s some good YouTube videos showing how to use them.

 

If you're determined not to use them you can make or buy stencils but I think they are much harder to use than transfers.

[NovemberIX]

The only other alternative I can think of are dry transfer decals, but if you're looking for something custom you're pretty much back to square one. They're usually for pinewood derby cars, but I've seen them used on military and gundam models, so you might get lucky sourcing stuff from that stock. 

[Karhedron]

Dry-rub transfers do exist but I haven't seen any 40k style ones. Mind you, it depends what faction you are modelling. If you are doing Imperial Guard then WW2 tank transfers would probably look good. Gundam kits often come with transparent stickers which might look OK on Tau battlesuits.

 

There are companies online who will produce custom transfers for you if you can provide the artwork. Prices and quality vary so get some recommendations. 

[WBRBloom]

Hey @Kaede45! You might also want to consider utilising stencils, if you are looking to replace decals, these can work pretty well, especially on vehicles.

 

In addition, if you would like to experiment a little, goobertown hobbies made some stamps a while back, for doing 'freehand' symbols on miniature shoulder pads, which are basically the same principle and process with the symbols applied on plastic nails:

 

Reusable Stamping Plates Nail Art Stencils Template Design - Gel Polish Paint" | eBay UK

 

You can use these stamps with nail polish actually, which makes it a really good alternative, and with a little search, you can find a lot of decent designs out there.

 

Goblin Hobbies Stampin’ Plates Revolutionize Detailing Miniatures

[Deus_Ex_Machina]

On 7/25/2025 at 5:25 PM, Kaede45 said:

I want to make & place symbols on some of my completed minis, but I have no idea how to use waterslide decals or have any means of producing my own for symbols. I could probably paint them on some (or have somebody paint them for me), but I was wondering if anyone knows of any sort of “alternatives” to using waterslide decals? Maybe stickers or something like that? Also, if anyone knows of any good places to purchase such decals & even get customized ones, I would be very appreciative. Preferably something that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg, but anything inexpensive & quality will work. Whatever comes to your mind, anything helps. Thank you all & God bless!

Here is how I approach the decal application:

 

1. Cut it out.

2. Take a scissor and make a lot of incisions ALL around the decal.

3. Put it in water. Even cold water will suffice.

4. Take it out after a couple of minutes with a spatula (purchasable in every laboratory shop).

5. Apply a drop of water on the surface where the decal is supposed to go. 

6. Slide the decal from the spatula with either another spatula or your scissors.

7. Adjust the decal with the spatula.

8. Drain excess water beneath the decal with a strip of toilet paper.

9. Done.

 

The incisions are really important as they will ensure that your decal will even fit on sloped surfaces. So you can´t be lazy during this step and make as many as you can achieve.

[sarabando]

you may want to check out stamping plates. 

 

https://youtu.be/8fnjLtx1x2E?si=pWMcJfJgrJDA3mpF

[sitnam]

Besides the other great suggestions, you cand find various insigina bits from 3d print sellers. Pop Goes the Monkey has an extensive catalog, and there are various Etsy storefronts as well.