Pro-Looking Laser Decals

[tomas1808]

Hi,

I bought some Clear Laser Sheets from Small Bear, this is my first time with decals. I searched with no success.
I was wondering what to do to get those pro-looking decals, which seem to be "painted-on". I also want them to be durable, so that it wont wear off even in heavy use.
I heard of products such as clean coat, softeners and "setters", but don't know what they are and how/when to use them.

If somebody could explain how to get the best "pro" decals, I would really appreciate it!

Help please! 

Thanks

[Kearns892]

I by no means am any sort of pro when it comes to decals, but probably the easiest things to do to make the decal appear printed on are use 1 piece of transparency paper, and put a border around the decal so the edges are not so obvious.

Here's are really great photo essay that may help you out http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=77001.0

[rustypinto]

This is the best decal paper ever:

http://www.micromark.com/CLEAR-DECAL-PAPER-FOR-LASER-PRINTERS-COPIERS-AND-MICRO-DRY-PRINTERS-25-SHEETS,8002.html

Buy the clear/blue, item#82370 (or 82371 or 82372 depending on how many sheets you want). Note this paper must be used with a laser printer. Toner is the only printing medium that will begin to stand up to common clear sprays.

[bobp1339]

Also, make sure you use Micro-Sol on it.  That causes the decal to soften and almost blend in with the surface.

I have used that with one coat of clear and could not see any lines...

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=57 
or at a lot of hobby shops.  Look in the model airplane section.

[tomas1808]

Thanks for the help! 

So...

1º Apply Decal
2º Add Softener
3º Spray Clear Coat

Is this the right way to do it?

[rustypinto]

Yep, but don't forget to print something on it 

Also, let the decal dry completely before spraying.

I've had great results with Rustoleum Painter's Touch brand clear coat (blue can). Multiple, thin coats give the best results.

[tomas1808]

Thanks people!  

EDIT:

Sorry.. two short questions:

1º Does the softener works even if the decals have long already been transfered to the case?
2º Do you spray the entire case, or do you only spray over (and around) the decals?

[John Lyons]

The micro sol is an additive to the water of the decal no?
It softens the edges of the wet decal I think.
Never used it... just seems so...

John

[davent]

Haven't tried Micro Sol but I use Micro Set and with that you just brush some over the decal once it's applied to the box and excess water has been wiped off with a damp paper towel. You can use it on the decal as long as you haven't started clearcoating the box and decal. I've used it periodically over the course of 24 hours after the decal was put on the box to see if i couldn melt the decal edges more. The bottle says to brush some on the box just before you apply the decal, it helps keep the decal from grabbing right away so you can easily fine tune the decal position  and lessen the chances of ripping it. The stuff smells like acetic acid so i'm wondering if you could just get away with using some dilute white vinegar.

Micro Set  http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MI-1&Category_Code=FINPROD&Product_Count=1
Micro Sol  http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MD&Product_Code=MI-2&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

Take care
dave

[bobp1339]

I brush the micro sol on after the decal has dried.. usually I do two heavy coats of Micro Sol and then let dry completely... Works great!

[tomas1808]

Thanks again for the help people!

But... what is the difference between softeners, setters and solvents? According to what I have read there isn't much. 

[ianmgull]

I just put a full face decal onto a box assuming I had some Micro Sol in my drawer. It turns out I do not. Has anybody ever tried the white vinegar? It's to late to order some Micro Sol as my decal is on the box drying. Any last minute solutions would be very much appreciated!

[trixdropd]

You guys should check out www.pulsarprofx.com as everything I've recieved so far is top notch. I expect the same for decals.

[tiges_ tendres]

You guys should check out www.pulsarprofx.com as everything I've recieved so far is top notch. I expect the same for decals.

That's a pro looking product!  But what a kerfuffle!