Making Your Own Truck Decals?

[impcon]

Just wondering if anyone can suggest a software program for making up decals for 1/24 and 1/25 scale trucks? I'm not that great with computers so I need something fairly simple to make lettering for doors and van bodies. One feature that is especially important and desired is being able to print a company name not just in a straight horizontal line, but to place them in a curved, arch-like configuration as on the truck in the picture. Also, is it possible to mix different styles of fonts from different sites to form one word or a name? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks for reading..

I have been doing some reading and have learned some important things but I'd welcome suggestions for a program that makes working with different fonts fairly simple. It seems difficult to find someone who does this sort of work on a small scale ( quantity wise ) so I'll have to try it myself, I guess. Any suggestions are welcome.

[BigBad]

You could take pictures of the logos you want to get onto a decal. Then get rid of the things around it with the simple "paint" program on a standard computer. Once the logo is cleaned up you can transfer that on the "word" program as a picture and scale it to the size you like. The letter sheet format on the screen is 1:1 so you can measure and scale you pictures. Then print this on regular paper and cut to test fit on the model. Once satisfied with the size, print on decal sheets, either transparent or white. Once printed shoot a clear coat over the decal to seal the ink. Always remember though, a printer does not print in white. So pale color lettering is next to impossible on a regular printer.

[heepey]

What BigBad said + Get to know the "Word Art" feature in MS Word. It will let you do most of what you want. Also explore the many fonts that come with Word or that can be downloaded. White lettering is almost impossible but can be done with patience and "Dry Transfer" lettering from an art store or model railroad suppliers. Rub the letters on scrap clear decal paper and then apply them to the model.

Do you know the colors that would be on the truck in your picture?

[KJ790]

I find that Microsoft powerpoint is nice for having an array of fonts, colors, and being able to angle or arch the lettering. Once I get it how I want it I take a screen shot and then paste it into Microsoft word for printing.

[impcon]

Thanks guys. the truck I want to build is yellow with black fenders and running boards and probably wheels. I'll try the Word program for fonts. I've had this project on my mind for years and have started it and shelved it a few times. It's important to me for my own satisfaction more than anything plus that truck that I am trying to replicate meant a lot to me back in my younger days and held lots of memories. I am still open to any suggestions though.

[BirdWatcher]

If you can scan a photo, vector magic might be an alternative. Vector magic will convert a JPEG and other common formats into Vector so the artwork will be extra sharp and totally scalable. If you look them up online, you can get a free trial. Vector magic precision bitmap to vector art.