Friends,
I have been contemplating buying some of the Crafty Computer paper to make my own transfers but am, as usual, a little wary of spending money if the thing doesn't work! (I do that often enough with used locos!)
Anyone used it and can give pointers to its usage etc?
Regards, Peter.
Peter
I've used the laser printer (printed through an Oki laser printer at work) version and been pleasantly surprised with the quality.
Cheers, Mike
I have used the dry rub transfers, http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/.Dry-Rub-Off-Decal-Paper_159.htm (http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/.Dry-Rub-Off-Decal-Paper_159.htm)
They are pretty easy to use. The only thing is that it is not strictly a proper dry rub transfer in that it will leave a clear film where ever is rubbed. So if you are trying to do a solid transfer then this would be no problem.
I used it to make some Freightliner transfers which luckily with these the logo is a rectangle so you can cut tightly around it:
(http://www.osbornsmodels.com/ekmps/shops/osbornsmodels/images/fujimoto-hobby-heavy-equipment-series-2-n-scale-tcm-43-ton-container-forklift-%5B4%5D-11894-p.jpg)
(http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s304/crankycalf/osbornscontainerforklift.jpg)
I have been tempted to try the tattoo paper but have not got round to trying this out
Quote from: petercharlesfagg on January 09, 2014, 03:49:11 PM
I have been contemplating buying some of the Crafty Computer paper to make my own transfers but am, as usual, a little wary of spending money if the thing doesn't work! (I do that often enough with used locos!)
Anyone used it and can give pointers to its usage etc?
If you follow the thread below through you'll see what can be done with Crafty Computer paper. Drawing up your design on Word isn't overly complicated even with complex liveries. To avoid using too much transfer paper first print your design onto plain paper (which you can then check for size etc) then cut out a bit of transfer paper that covers it and sellotape it (around the edges) in place. Your fingers can leave grease (?) on the transfer so once sellotaped down gently rub it with a bit of kitchen roll before putting the sheet back in the printer. If you don't do this the ink can pool. Guess how I know ;)
http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=18674.msg188735#msg188735 (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=18674.msg188735#msg188735)
Gareth
These transfer papers do work, I use both clear and white paper.
You do need to plan as the papers are so (necessarily) thin that the print colour can merge with the base colour i.e. a dark blue on a white background will give a light blue end look. Some colours work better than others so have fun experimenting.
You do need to cover the print in varnish before using water to transfer them. Crafty computer paper sell a spray which I have used but humbrol matt, satin & gloss coat brushed onto the transfer work fine.
Elmo
I've used both the clear and white waterslide papers on my 'Ford' wagons - clear for the wagon info panels (not sure if that's the right term for them, the bits with wagon code, weight, etc ;) ), and white for the Ford logos:-
(http://www.sprintexnet.co.uk/Images/Ford%20VGAs.jpg)
(http://www.sprintexnet.co.uk/Images/Ford%20VGA%20Vans.jpg)
Printed on an ordinary cheapo inkjet printer, came out OK I think :)
Paul
Only problem I see with Crafty paper is price,
From USA 50 sheets £25.57, 25 sheets £14
http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/3.htm (http://www.decalpaper.com/category-s/3.htm)
Crafty 50 sheets £65.99 10 sheets £16.49
even adding shipping from USA the price still beats Crafty by a very large margin, about the only advantage of Crafty is they will sell by the sheet, and delivery will be a bit quicker. There should be somewhere in UK that sells it cheaper than Crafty but not found one yet.
A few people getting together wanting a few sheets each would save a lot if you don't want 25 sheets or more at one go.
I use both the clear and white waterslide papers a lot with an inkjet printer - mostly for buildings, signs and interiors. I did get a bad batch of paper from Crafty, which they replaced.
I have found that Micro Sol and Micro Set are good for applying the transfers when the background is not completely flat and also to prevent the edges curling back with time (this can happen)
Also make sure that you have sealed the transfer with the acrylic spray before dunking it in water!
I also use the transfers for putting signs on the inside of windows in buildings. Originally I printed the image in reverse onto clear paper - so that the the 'adhesive' side stuck to the window but found with the Micro Sol/Set that the non-adhesive side will also stick to the window.
The signs on the doors of this building was done in the same way
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/54/thumb_7281.jpg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view;id=7281)
Jane
Very clever. Well done.
Kind regards
Geoff