I want to put some "original looking water slide decals" on to my current build for a few details. My problem is that I don't want to use vinyl stickers because they will look like sh!t in a short time! Does anyone know of someone still able to produce these to order......or am I living in dreamland?
I have seen a "film" for sale at a hobby shop that was for printing your own water-slide decals for model cars, planes, etc... I remember thinking at the time that is would be cool to scan some vintage decals and slap them on the window of my gasser. I just never got around to it yet. Check your local hobby/model shop or get busy on google and check it out.
There were a group of guys in New Zealand named Vintage Hat Farm back maybe 10 years ago. Were doing some amazing pinup waterslide decals. I'm still digging deep into my files here trying to locate companies in the states that can / are willing to make waterslides. The company I used to highly (Decals Unlimited) is in limbo right now due to it's owner passing away.
Yeah, that's the place we use for the Heads Up and Meltdown drags. Nice people. Good quality stuff. They printed Roth's stuff in the 60s, too
Good vinyl doesn't look like shit "in a short time." As long as one uses the thin, high quality stuff, it'll last a while.
My issue with the vinyl ones is the location of the decal. I expect a certain amount of contact with the artwork, so it would probably rub off sooner rather than later.
Thanks for your help everyone. I can buy sheets of decal paper and print my own designs right here...... http://www.micromark.com/clear-decal-paper-for-ink-jet-printers-5-sheets,7942.html Exactly what I was looking for!
As I remember it... the old decals had a fairly heavy clear lacquer coating (my guess would be they were screen printed). Using newer decal papers and modern printers and doing decals yourself would be great for models, or perhaps for decals put on the inside of the glass, but I doubt it would be as durable enough for outside use or even hold up for several car washes. I use modern, custom made decals for my model trains a lot. None of them are very durable. Gary New subj... anyone miss the old waterslide decals that were sold as souvenirs at tourist places? NOBODY seems to have them any more, everywhere I look only has the stickers. Gary
I made real water transfer decals for years until my last printer stopped working. I owned four printers that I found all over the world but they stopped making them years ago. The best way to make them is either silk screened or using water proof inks which most printers do not have. Another problem is in many cases you will need to use white water proof ink for back rounds and other things. How many printers can you think of that use white ink? None expect for an ALPS printer and finding one that works and does not leave banding marks is a major problem. Vinyl decals will hold unless you really use some harsh products on them to clean but hell that's also true of water transfer style to. Another major problem is finding the right decal paper to even use. I have tried over 25 different types of decal paper before an old timer gave me a very important tip on what to use and where to find it. All of the decals I make are peel and stick style and I do all the art work and graphics. I get very upset with guys who sell decals and tell everyone they are original water transfer decals from the 50's or 60's when they were just made. At least have the morals to tell people the true!!!!!!!!!! Jimbo
I sincerely hope that comment wasnt directed at me...........all my decals are at least 35 years old and many are much older than that.
Muttley: Sorry that comment was not directed at you in anyway. You have been very honest in the way you conduct your business and that is something I admire. In life the most important things you have are your ethics and morals and once you lose those you are done. Jimbo
there was an old post here on the hamb about making your own water slide decals. I think Whizzer put it up. I'll try & find it
cant remember what I had for dinner last night but I remembered a post from 7 1/2 yrs ago.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8313&highlight=decal
Does anyone know about a company by the name of Porkeys Truck Stop (N Cooper), they advertise on internet, no phone , just p.o. box, anyway I sent a check for slides and never got my product, that was 11 weeks ago, he does return emails to me but keeps saying 'he will send them soon' , appreciate anyone who has any info. Thank R.L.
The Jalopy Journal
