Decal Paper

[Nick]

Not sure where to post this.

I want to buy some white decal paper. I have never used waterslide decal paper before.

Any recommendations of which one to use and, equally as important, which spray/sealer to use?

I've been a bit surprised that what feels like a complex product by comparison with normal paper, only seems to be available from unknown brands and unknown suppliers, who then don't specify an appropriate sealer. Mainstream modelling outlets don't appear to stock it.

Or perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place and overthinking the problem....

Help, please!

[Mito]

I've bought decal paper off ebay with no problems. If you're using an ink jet printer then the decals have to be sealed with an acrylic varnish before wetting them otherwise the ink runs. Easier to fix on a smooth surface but can be done on a wagon side with care. Use a bedding liquid to help bed them down but don't damage the varnish.

[Nick]

Yes, I have an ink jet printer.

So, any acrylic varnish? Halfords, Humbrol, etc? Nothing special to look out for?

[David Asquith]

I´ve used Crafty Computer Paper to make decals for N Gauge trains, pedal bikes and motor scooters with good results.  I used spray polyurethane varnish to seal.

[Nick]

I saw someone refer to Crafty in another thread. It may have been you.

Do they still exist? Their website seems to be defunct. There are a few items under their name on Amazon, but not decal paper that I've found.

[Paddy]

Hi Folks,

I too would like to know a brand/supplier for white and clear decal paper.  Crafty paper no longer seems to exist.  Searching on eBay etc. has shown that this paper is rather expensive so I would prefer not to order duff stuff.

Many thanks

Paddy

[Izzy]

I have both clear and white decal paper I bought from my local model shop. I believe it is a USA brand, bare metal foil is the name. Works well when sealed with acrylic varnish. I have hand brushed this on for small decals cut out/off a big sheet. No point in wasting the paper.

Izzy

[RailGooner]

I've bought this before and it was branded Crafty Computer Paper. My last purchase was probably near a decade ago and it seems Crafty Computer Paper went South c.2014 - the last blog post was in August 2014 (https://craftycomputerpaper.blogspot.com/).

Laser decal papers don't need sealing like inkjet papers - in simple terms, laser printers melt solid colours and fuse them to the surface of the paper, while inkjet printers spray liquid colours onto the surface of the paper.

Homecrafts offer the same four options - clear and white decal papers for either laser or inkjet printers - that Crafty Computer Paper previously offered. Perhaps Homecrafts bought out Crafty Computer Paper.

[Izzy]

Just remembered the decal paper is called Experts Choice, and often stocked by model shops doing aircraft. Hannants of Lowestoft also not surprisingly stock it.

Izzy

[Nick]

I had no idea Bare Metal Foil produced decal paper. I knew about their eponymous product but not that.

I seem to have a knack for asking the wrong questions of Hannants' search engine!! 

Pricey, though. Did it give good results?

[Ditape]

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/EC119


https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/EC121


https://www.bare-metal.com/experts-choice-decal-film.html

[woodbury22uk]

Homecrafts offer the same four options - clear and white decal papers for either laser or inkjet printers - that Crafty Computer Paper previously offered. Perhaps Homecrafts bought out Crafty Computer Paper.

The Homecrafts paper I have is branded Specialist. Their online catalogue is a flipping book. There is a search facility above the book. The decalpaper is on page 199.

https://www.specialistcrafts.co.uk/media/flipbooks/SC2019%20EDL%20Flipbook/sc19edl/sc19edl.html#p=195

[Mito]

Mr Decal Paper https://mrdecalpaper.com/ also on ebay. Their decal paper for lasers is not suitable for commercial printers. The drum is too hot and damages the paper. It's fine for home use laser printers.

[Izzy]

I had no idea Bare Metal Foil produced decal paper. I knew about their eponymous product but not that.

I seem to have a knack for asking the wrong questions of Hannants' search engine!! 

Pricey, though. Did it give good results?

It's around the same cost as inkjet printable acetate sheet. A single A4 sheet will go a long way for 2mm. I was happy with the general results. Will try and find/take a few shots to show the results.

Izzy

[Nick]

Thanks everyone for their input. Definite food for thought here.

Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I've had eye surgery recently and have been severely rationing my PC use. Thankfully, my vision in the affected eye seems to be becoming useful again in the last day or so.