Any Tips On Using Inkjet Decal Paper?

[oldcarfan]

I used to use Microscale Laser Decal Paper on my company's Xerox printer and loved it, but I don't have that option anymore. At Hobby Lobby they have this 'Water Transfer Decal Paper and I'm thinking of trying it. I used the Testor's Inkjet version years ago and the ink reacted like water on oil. Has anyone used this brand before?

 

[yh70]

i have not used that brand, but have used the testors with no problem and many more brands and find them to be all about the same..did you clear coat the decal after the ink dried ? if you did not then that was the problem..all ink jet decal paper has to be clear coated after printed.

[oldcarfan]

17 minutes ago, yh70 said:

i have not used that brand, but have used the testors with no problem and many more brands and find them to be all about the same..did you clear coat the decal after the ink dried ? if you did not then that was the problem..all ink jet decal paper has to be clear coated after printed.

I clear coated when I used the Microscale laser paper with the laser copier, because the ink can be scratched off easily. But when using the Testor's Inkjet paper in the home printer, it wouldn't even print on the paper. The ink just bubbled up.

[RancheroSteve]

There should be a setting in your printer software for different types of paper. I use a Canon inkjet photo printer and the inkjet decal papers I've used specify that the printer needs to be set for glossy photo paper.

[oldcarfan]

46 minutes ago, RancheroSteve said:

There should be a setting in your printer software for different types of paper. I use a Canon inkjet photo printer and the inkjet decal papers I've used specify that the printer needs to be set for glossy photo paper.

Thanks, that's good advice.

[Can-Con]

What kind of printer do you have? Inkjet or laser?

Sounds like you're trying to use ink jet paper in a laser printer.

There's specific paper to be used with either the ink jet or laser printers. 

You need to use the one made for the printer you're using. I'd say that's the main reason you've had problems with them. 

Edited October 28, 2023 by Can-Con
added info

[peteski]

On 10/28/2023 at 11:07 AM, Can-Con said:

Sounds like you're trying to use ink jet paper in a laser printer.

That sounds backwards.  Laser decal paper just has a "plain" decal film, where ink jet decal paper has decal film which is coated with ink absorbing coating to prevent the liquid ink from beading up.  The problem as described states that the ink beads up on the paper surface (it is not being absorbed).

[Can-Con]

1 hour ago, peteski said:

That sounds backwards.  Laser decal paper just has a "plain" decal film, where ink jet decal paper has decal film which is coated with ink absorbing coating to prevent the liquid ink from beading up.  The problem as described states that the ink beads up on the paper surface (it is not being absorbed).

I dunno. Any ideas on what's going on with it Peter? 

[peteski]

2 hours ago, Can-Con said:

I dunno. Any ideas on what's going on with it Peter? 

Not really - I have an Alps printer for making decals and I use laser paper.  But I do know that ink jet decal paper has special coating to absorb ink.  I think the best advice here was to try different type of paper setting as the amount of ink printed changes depending on the type of paper.  I also seem to recall reading that some ink jet printers do not work well for decal printing.

[Trendsetta68]

I've used Testors inkjet decal paper since 2009 ... I've never had a problem ... printer setting on glossy photo paper ...
2 to 3 light coats of Testors decal Bonder spray let dry overnight and they are ready to apply ... I use Automotive lacquer
on my models after the decals have been applied ... ??

[Bills72sj]

I too have made lots of inkjet decals. 1st with Testors paper and then with aftermarket paper off ebay. If I set my print quality to "normal" the prints are a bit light in coverage. If I set my print quality to "best" then the color saturation is quite acceptable. The only exception is if I use "best" for black only decals, I get the beading you are getting. A word of advise, let the ink dry 24 hours before attempting to clear them. Hit them too soon and the ink may run. I learned that on some red printed decals that made the white background pink. Testors Decal Bonder (9200?) works fantastic as a clear overcoat. Unfortunately, it is no longer available. I think it is an enamel glosscoat. I have yet to experiment with substitutes.