Tom H.
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 755
- Location
- Newport News, VA
A lot of folks have been asking me how I get the graphics on my bodies so I thought I'd do a tutorial for y'all.
First, go here: http://www.beldecal.com/inkjet_decals.cfm
Order the 8-1/2"x 11" INKJET WATER SLIDE DECAL PAPER 10 PACK. Make sure you select CLEAR paper.
You also need to run by the store and grab a can of Krylon Crystal Clear spray paint. Follow the enclosed instructions for printing the decals. Use your photo editor to make the image you want. Try to get the background color of your image as close to the body color as possible. When you print, make sure you mirror (make it backwards) the image first.
Once you're ready to apply the decal, just soak it and apply it to the inside if the body wherever you want it, just like you used to do to models when you were a kid. Make sure it's nice & smooth with no air bubbles. I usually dab it with a paper towel until it starts to set up.
Once it's cured (about an hour), paint (with a small brush) the backside of your image with white (faswhite). That will make it visible. I usually do 2 or 3 good-thick coats.
After that dries, you're ready to paint the rest of the body.
After the paint sets up, if you don't coat everything, at least put a couple coats on the decal area with Papilio Clear Aerosol UV Laminate Spray or whatever sealer you use. If you don't, it'll bleed the first time it gets wet.
And, if all went well, you'll have a body that turns peoples heads when it goes by!
First, go here: http://www.beldecal.com/inkjet_decals.cfm
Order the 8-1/2"x 11" INKJET WATER SLIDE DECAL PAPER 10 PACK. Make sure you select CLEAR paper.
You also need to run by the store and grab a can of Krylon Crystal Clear spray paint. Follow the enclosed instructions for printing the decals. Use your photo editor to make the image you want. Try to get the background color of your image as close to the body color as possible. When you print, make sure you mirror (make it backwards) the image first.
Once you're ready to apply the decal, just soak it and apply it to the inside if the body wherever you want it, just like you used to do to models when you were a kid. Make sure it's nice & smooth with no air bubbles. I usually dab it with a paper towel until it starts to set up.
Once it's cured (about an hour), paint (with a small brush) the backside of your image with white (faswhite). That will make it visible. I usually do 2 or 3 good-thick coats.
After that dries, you're ready to paint the rest of the body.
After the paint sets up, if you don't coat everything, at least put a couple coats on the decal area with Papilio Clear Aerosol UV Laminate Spray or whatever sealer you use. If you don't, it'll bleed the first time it gets wet.
And, if all went well, you'll have a body that turns peoples heads when it goes by!
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