DIY (Tissue Paper) Decals

I read about this technique on the RC-Groups forum in a terific article by haiduk's post SBD Dauntless Scratch Build (starting at post #92).The thin tissue paper is flexible and contours nicely even over curved surfaces.  The challenge is to get the ink of the image sealed without losing the flexibility.  With this system, we are able to dress-up our builds quickly and without a great deal of expense.  Maximize the Build-Fly-Crash and Repair experience... 

Process

Prepare Decal Blank

• Perforate about a 1/2" band on 3 sides of a letter size piece of cardstock.
• We use a rotary cutter with a perforation blade but you could also use an exacto blade and a "dashed" cutting pattern.
• Apply glue stick to the outside edge (outside perforations)
• Attach a sheet of tissue paper to the cardstock backing
• Lay the tissue on a flat surface and place the cardstock (glue side down) on top - press firmly at the edges
• Trim tissue paper to the edge of the cardstock - I use a straight edge and an exacto blade.

Create and Print a Graphic

• Develop original graphic or find something on the internet

  • We use GIMP an "open-source" alternative to Photoshop (http://www.gimp.org/) to "fine-tune" the images

  • Make sure that the resolution of the image is large for best results.

• Scale image and arrange copies to fit on letter sized sheet

• Print images with your color inkjet printer on the  "Decal Blank"

Seal Ink

• Spray top surface of tissue with a clear (non water based) finish.  Several light coats is better than one that is too heavy.  The cardstock backing holds everything in place while you spray.

• Carefully separate the backing from tissue by tearing the perforations on one side and the top.

• Fold back tissue using the cardstock "frame" and seal the back of the decal with the same thin coats.

  • If you are applying the decal over a colored surface you can seal the back side of the decal with white to serve as a background.

Apply Decal

• Cut the decal around the image

• Apply a thinned (about 50:50) mixture of white (elmers) glue and water to the surface of the plane.

• Carefully place decal on surface and adjust location using wet brush. 

  • Work decal into any groves or detail on the surface with the brush.

  • Working from the middle out, push any bubbles out from under the decal with the brush.

  • Finish by applying a thin coat of glue mixture over the entire surface

The options are unlimited...