I created these designs on Photoshop for a number of models over the last few years, and thought other modellers might be able to make use of them. You need to print them on special decal paper, then apply a protective coat of clear varnish on top. The ink my printer uses is water-soluble, so the top coat is vital. Laser printers probably don't have this problem (I haven't tried mine as it's black and white only), but I believe the varnish is still required for strength. You'll need to experiment with this - see what works and stick with it. My first attempts gave mixed results, but I'm getting better.
To make use of these files, save them on disc by either clicking on the links and using Save As... in the browser menu, or right click and select Save Target As... (Your browser may be different.) Use a graphics program such as Microsoft Paint or Photo Editor to do the printing instead of an internet browser, which is liable to scale everything so that a web page fills a sheet of paper. At any rate, it's recommended that you print on plain paper first to make sure everything is the correct size. If required, they can be scaled up or down.
Further tips are at the foot of the page.
The kit makes are included for information - the decals should work fine on models from other manufacturers.
1/72 Mil Mi-8, Boscombe Down (Hobby Boss)
Use roundels from scrap box and some markings from kit
Full size decal sheet
1/72 T-33, Nebraska National Guard (Sword)
Use US national markings from scrap box or commercial range
Full size decal sheet
1/72 Dragon Rapide, RAF (Heller)
Use national markings from commercial range, e.g. Modeldecal
Full size decal sheet
1/72 Lynx AH5, ETPS (Airfix)
Use white serials from commercial ranges, e.g. Modeldecal
Full size decal sheet
1/72 Saunders Roe SRA1 prototype (unidentifed French resin kit)
Use national markings and "P" prototype decal from commercial range
Full size decal sheet
1/48 Cessna F152, Tayside Aviation (Minicraft)
Replace wheels, with smaller ones than on my model :-(
Full size decal sheet
Photo by Alan Keddie
1/144 Bristol Superfreighter, (Welsh Models)
Use "British United" titles from kit
Full size decal sheet
1/144 48 Squadron Hastings, (Welsh Models)
Use national markings from kit
Full size decal sheet
I used "Bare Metal" decal film and a Canon S330 inkjet printer. A thick coat of Microscale Liquid Decal Film had to be sprayed on with an airbrush to protect the ink before use. The ink isn't waterproof, so some suggestions are -
- Don't cut the decals through any part which as been printed, as water will leak into the cut edge and dissolve the ink. Any design which needs to be applied in sections should have the individual parts printed separately.
- Make sure the decal is left in water long enough to properly loosen from the backing film, as stressing the protective coat lets the water in.
- Decal setting solutions such as Micro Set are okay, but when washing them off the model afterwards, avoid getting the decals wet.
- Also, watch out for any concave surfaces - I've had trouble with decals pulling away from the surface, as they shrink on drying.
Some of my decal sheets have spare copies of some markings, to allow for accidents. Recently I've stopped doing this as with practice I can avoid mistakes.
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