Thread: Pen Decals

decal paper.com.au

Make sure you buy the right paper for your printer (laser or inkjet)

Main points I found. Use a relatively light timber (if you're using timber) and do a test as colours may not come out the way you're hoping.
I did a post or two about a year ago about my experiences using decals, most of my knowledge comes from the help of Dai sensei, gogomobile and Mik so only some of my own experiences....

There are quite a few posts around about them.

Thanks Gab, happy to hear about being able to make my own, and can then design what I want. I'm doing a jet black acrylic fountain pen with gold patterns and Japanese calligraphy. Would you recommend using the soluble tattoos like the decals used on model airplanes? Then a CA finish applied?

You're already above where I have managed to get. My printer can't print gold.
I used lighter timbers and mostly black ink. But yes, model like transfers, 10 coats of CA, micromesh, decal, 10 coats of CA, micromesh

Didn't say it was quick

Originally Posted by Gabriel

You're already above where I have managed to get. My printer can't print gold.
I used lighter timbers and mostly black ink. But yes, model like transfers, 10 coats of CA, micromesh, decal, 10 coats of CA, micromesh

Didn't say it was quick

There's printers that print "gold".
Well that's it, the shovels going back in the garden shed few.

It's the new brand I think.....
'Alchemy printers'

Don't you guys have your money tree yet? Grew mine last year apparently. Well so the kids think!!

I use Testors Waterslide Clear decal paper and my HP Inkjet printer.
Attached is a PDF on how I do my decals.

Les

Thanks Les, have you ever done these on Acrylics? or have you ever done any Gilding? I'm making a Jet black Acrylic, closed end Fountain pen and seeing as I potentially can't get the colour richness I might require due to the black background, I thought I might Gild it instead. Besides, the gold will just POP..... I have found Gilding Pen and leaf set for $20 with 5 sheets so not a bad investment, next will be a decent magnifying glass to work under. There I go again trying to over engineer the wheel.