Model building is has been an American favorite for years. There are hundreds of different types of models available for every type of enthusiast. Model airplanes and cars are classics. Model boats, houses and era specific crafts are all popular as well. There are many reason that people make models, such as to resell, use for home display or for just plain fun. One of the difficulties when trying to build a model is finding all the supplies you need. For special projects or models that you want to add a personal touch, it might be easier to print your decals and logo’s from home. Sometimes stores do not have the decals you need and you do not want to be limited by their selection. Use your imagination and creativity to produce a one-of-a-kind model.

You will need the following: Cutting templates, glue, craft knife, multiple printer ink cartridges, a ruler and sticker or decal paper.

Here are some simple steps to printing and creating your own decals.

1. Stop by your local craft store and choose the style or type of sticker/decal paper you wish to use. These sheets generally come in standard 8 1/2″ x 11″ size. Clear and White are the two colors to choose from.

2. You can find templates and cutting materials in the scrap booking section of most craft supply stores. It is recommended that you use a self healing cutting surface and a small knife like and exacto-blade.

3. Create the decal using a program or by downloading images from the internet. Google images are a great resource for all kinds of pictures and logos. You can also find logos on a company’s website that can be downloaded.

4. Print of the decals using your home printer. You can save sheets and printer ink by printing more than one image per page and print some of the images in black. Another way to cut down on paper and printer ink is to adjust the size of the image.

5. Once you have your printed sheets, use your cutting tools and guides to cut them out of the sheets. A craft knife is more maneuverable than scissors and provides a more professional look. Let the printer ink properly dry before you begin to cut to avoid smears and smudges.

6. It is now time to adhere the images to the model. Check to see that the surface is clean and dry. Use glue only if it is needed to seal down edges.

Printing your own decals can be fun and allows you to truly customize your decals. The only real downside is that it uses a lot of printer ink cartridges, which can be expensive. On the other hand, the ability to make custom and unique decals makes printing at home worth it. You would be hard pressed to find another model quite like yours. Use your new creations to decorate your room or fill a display case for all to see. Printing decals is as simple as finding an item you like or creating your own, the only limit is your imagination.

 

 

 

 

BIO: Braden blogs and writes articles on ways to get the most out of common household items. At the moment, he likes writing about printers and discuss creative ways to use them and cut back on paper and printer ink cartridges. Printer ink cartridges can add up over time.

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