Decal Printing Paper

[GlenEglise]

My friend who supplies me decals has found that is normal source of fine paper for printing decals is no longer.

Does anyone have any recommendations for fine printing decal paper?

GE

[ScottishModeller]

My friend who supplies me decals has found that is normal source of fine paper for printing decals is no longer.

Does anyone have any recommendations for fine printing decal paper?

GE

Hi Brian,

I've just got some from the USA....

Same brand as I used to have, but not available in the UK!

Just had a trial print tonight, waiting for the product to dry for 24hrs, then can seal and see how it works out.

[ntpntpntp]

Is it for inkjet or laser priner?

For my ALPS printer I use Tango Papa laser decal paper from the USA, or Microscale. Preferrably with blue backing for when I'm printing in white.  I've not yet used up my stock from 10 years ago.

I'm not sure if Tango Papa is still going. 

I've not tried any of the below possibilities

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286014710056

https://www.scalemodelscenery.co.uk/clear-a4-laser-waterslide-decal-paper-with-blue-backing---ws001-12897-p.asp

[njee20]

The Scale Model Scenry stuff is good. It's a nice dark blue so you can see white. A lot of blue stuff is too pale.

I used to use Mr Decal Paper, but they disappeared quite abruptly. Last batch of clear backed I used "Hayes" via Amazon, and it's been fine. All laser in my case.

[ScottishModeller]

Hi all,

Thanks for the input - much appreciated.

This is for Injet printers.

The best results with my printer have been with the old Tullis decal paper.

That has changed over the years and no longer gives as good a result.

I've tried a lot of other decal paper and have not been getting as good a result as I used to get.

The SMS decal paper result is unpredictable - but that may be down to the inks not being the same.

I used to use Mr Decal Paper as well - much missed and no trace of him in another guise.

Currently working my way through the various eBay offerings.

Latest sheets came from the USA and cost more - 10 sheets cost the same as the last 50 pack I got.

But, they seem to work well with my printer - so we shall see.

Thanks
Phil H

[ntpntpntp]

I must admit I'm not a fan of inkjet decal paper (or producing decals that way), it tends to be thicker film in order to absorb the ink and requires perfect sealing to prevent bleed.

Long live my old ALPS

[GlenEglise]

I must admit I'm not a fan of inkjet decal paper (or producing decals that way), it tends to be thicker film in order to absorb the ink and requires perfect sealing to prevent bleed.

Long live my old ALPS

Bur not everyone has access to an "old ALPS"

GE

[ntpntpntp]

not everyone has access to an "old ALPS"

True, but colour laser printers are readily available at the consumer end of the market. I got rid of our inkjet printers years ago in favour of a colour laser.  More economical,  doesn't suffer blocked jets, and copes with irregular use in the household    If I didn't have the ALPS I'd be using the laser printer.

[njee20]

Yep, same. We do have an inkjet photo printer too, but the laser is so much less effort. The only issue I have with my (HP) laser is the colour recreation isn't great. Keep meaning to play with ICC profiles to try and get it better, but that feels like a whole rabbit hole I don't need to delve into!

[ScottishModeller]

Yep, same. We do have an inkjet photo printer too, but the laser is so much less effort. The only issue I have with my (HP) laser is the colour recreation isn't great. Keep meaning to play with ICC profiles to try and get it better, but that feels like a whole rabbit hole I don't need to delve into!

I have the same problem with the colour laser printer.....

Despite having spent the time with the settings, I have not been able to get the colour recreation to my liking. Darker colours seems to gain a grey content when printed on the laser that I don't get with the inkjet printer. ICC profiles don't seem to make that much of a difference. At least with the inkjet I can play with all the settings for each of the 6 ink cartridges.

Mind you, a set of genuine cartridges costs about £74.00!

Thanks
Phil H

[njee20]

£74 doesn't sound bad for cartridges at all...? These days most printers are a loss leader, and they make the money on the ink.

Mine doesn't have a grey cast, just distorts colours slightly. Blues are particularly susceptible. Not a huge issue, and I still much prefer it to a inkjet. YMMV.