One of the easiest ways to create a customised tabletop sci-fi army is to produce your own symbology and transfers. Not only will this save you money on decal sheets, but you'll be able to create beautiful designs and print them at a moments notice at home using your own printer.
Getting the Gear
First of all you'll need a computer and some software that will allow you to design your own decal, unless you are planning on downloading copyright free images from the Internet to use instead. Secondly, you'll need to attach an inkjet or laser printer; the more you invest in this, the better the quality of the decals and the sharper the image will be. However, don't be put off if you're working on a budget. After a decal is weathered on the model, it will still look fantastic. As inkjet printers are more commonly found within the home, you'll probably find they are a little cheaper, and you may be able to pick up a bargain.
The type of printer you decide to use will impact the type of paper you'll need, as inkjets and lasers print in different ways. It's simple enough to know what to buy—just get either inkjet or laser decal paper. You insert it into the machine just like any other sheet of paper; however, once it has printed the design, you must seal it with paper decal fixative spray. This will preserve the image and protect it from smudging when you apply water to it and will assist with the application of the design.
Fixing the Decal
Once you have printed the decal, cut around the image using a sharp hobby knife. Cut away from your fingers and use a hobby mat; this will stop you from damaging the table and will help to keep the decal still. Try to cut as close to the design as possible, as it will make it easier to fix to your model. Fill a shallow dish with some lukewarm water and drop the decal in for about half a minute or so. Whilst you're doing this, gently moisten the area of the model you'd like to fix the decal to before sticking the design onto it using some tweezers or a paintbrush. Because the decal is wet, it should slide off from the paper easily using the paintbrush. Once it has dried apply some gloss varnish and appreciate your good handiwork.
If you have trouble with any of these steps, contact a printing service like Accent Print & Copy for help.
Share18 November 2016
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