1⁄35Making Custom Decals
Background
Custom decals add a bit of uniqueness to my modeling. They make it so that I can
display a model and know that few (if any) other models exist of the same
subject in the same markings. I like that. They also add almost unlimited
latitude to my modeling as I am no longer confined to using whatever markings
the decal manufacturing community has decided to produce.
Ever since my A-4E Skyhawk was posted earlier this year using my own custom
decal markings, I have gotten quite a few e-mailed questions regarding the
creation of the custom decals that I applied to the model. I decided the best
way to fully answer these questions was to create a posting on the subject.
There have been other postings and articles written on this topic. FSM wrote an
article (in the Nov-99 issue) on using the ALPS printer to create custom color
decals. Most articles and postings that I have read, including the FSM article,
left me wanting more. I'm hoping I can fill in some of the holes for anyone else
with the same feelings.
At the end of this posting is a section discussing specific considerations of
the mechanics to using the ALPS printer to create full-color decals. This is the
subject where the majority of the e-mailed questions were directed, but I felt I
could not just speak about the ALPS printer without first running through the
whole custom decal creation process. So, here goes.
Finally, before I get started, I have a little disclaimer. While I am going to
try to be as complete as I can about my custom decal creation, I will no doubt
miss some things. What I write is specific to "my way" of doing this process. I
make no bones about being right or wrong here. Every modeler (and artist) has
there own tricks and styles. No tricks or styles are wrong as long as the
modeler is happy with the outcome of their labors. While I am always looking to
improve my abilities, I am satisfied with the results I get using the procedures
I am going to outline here.
This article was reprinted with the permission of the author,
David W. Aungst. All material ©2001 David W. Aungst.