decals

ptolbert · 08-18-2001, 09:22 PM

Do i need a special printer to print decals, or just special paper?

Peter Johnson · 08-19-2001, 09:15 AM

Both. You'll need a dry transfer printer (not an inkjet) such as the ALPS printer, and clear decal paper.

Jao · 08-22-2001, 10:16 AM

Who supplies clear decal papers? Are there any brands? I can't use an HP1220C Deskjet?

Sgt Caribou · 08-22-2001, 04:38 PM

Guys I tried running decals off a good inkjet (Epson photo quality) and it did not work. The images wouldn't dry on the paper, even after hours they smudged badly when touched. The odd thing is, this was using decal paper supposedly designed for use on an inkjet printer!

Managed to find a decal manufacturer, located at the Decal Connection in Tequesta FL. E-mail at DecalConnection@juno.com
I had custom decals made there recently and the result is at least as good as the best commercial decals I have ever used. In fact I am applying them to a project right now and they go on with no telltale demarcation lines, and react well with setting solution. Drop Jim a line, just ensure the file you send is to the correct scale (e.g., how it would look when printed on A4 size paper - I sent in the wrong size at first and the markings came back way too large, my mistake).

Brian S.

Jao · 08-22-2001, 09:14 PM

Oh I see...thanks Brian.

HNL-Chris · 08-23-2001, 12:55 AM

I'm using a product called "Super Cal" decal film and "Last Stop" decal coating spray. Both products are designed for ink jet printers and so far...I'm real happy with the quality. Using the fixative spray sets the decal and there is no smudging. However, learning how to handle the decals is difficult as the material is thin, likes to tear and hard to get into position.

So, if you don't have the money for an Alps printer, I would say give this system at try.

Jao · 08-23-2001, 07:15 AM

Where can we purchase SuperCal Chris? Are there any online shops? Thanks

ptolbert · 08-23-2001, 05:15 PM

www.paper-paper.com

niels · 08-23-2001, 05:55 PM

Only problem I see with Ink Jetted decals (using this Super Cal stuff) is that unlike the ALPS (which uses thermal wax pigments), ink jet colors can fade.
On the other hand, of course, I would not want to leave stock tampo-printed Dragons and Geminis in the sun too long either!

Jao · 08-24-2001, 05:03 AM

Thanks guys for all the info you all have been very very big help.

ModelSaurus · 08-24-2001, 11:32 AM

What model of ALPS do you recommend? MD 1000, MD 2010, MD 4000?

Peter Johnson · 08-24-2001, 01:06 PM

There are two primary differences between the models -- the highest resolution of the printout, and the number of ribbons the printer holds.

I have the MD-5000, which has a maximum 2400dpi resolution. I'm not up on the specs, but I'd guess the lowest resolution version is at least 600dpi, still plenty of resolution for decal printing. The -5000 also does photo-quality dye sublimation printing, if you're into digital photography.

The -5000 holds up to 7 ribbons at once. This is handy if you're undercoating or overcoating, or using metallic ribbons for silver and gold. Otherwise it won't make a huge difference.

Also, the models are specific to IBM PC or Mac printer ports, so don't get the wrong kind!

Hope this helps!

niels · 08-24-2001, 04:10 PM

I may have posted this before but
there is a forum for those making decals with ALPS printers (and Citizen and OKI clones thereof) where you can join and search the subject index archives for whatever question you have or post a new question.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alpsdecal

BillTse · 08-24-2001, 04:39 PM

Niels: Since you mentioned Citizen & OKI clones, would you happen to know what models are still on the market? Except for ebay, I haven't found any place that still have ALPS printers in stock.

niels · 08-24-2001, 05:56 PM

Not sure whats on the market now. I got my OKI (DP-5000) just over a year ago. There was a company selling reconditioned ALPS fairly cheaply once. Best bet is the forum I mentioned above.

ptolbert · 08-24-2001, 09:08 PM

ALPS printer isnt produced anymore.

Vikings770 · 09-05-2001, 01:26 PM

This is where I bought mine.

http://store.yahoo.com/beldecal/index.html

08-18-2001, 09:22 PM	#1
ptolbert Insane Collector Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Waco/Woodway, Tx Age: 22 Posts: 1,205	decals Do i need a special printer to print decals, or just special paper? __________________ Ptolbert Long Live N615DL!!!!! ------------------------------ One World United together fighting poverty, social injustice, and foreign Domination of Industries, and just plain dumb people.

08-19-2001, 09:15 AM	#2
Peter Johnson Collector Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: From KDAW, 316deg 3.11nm Posts: 108	Both. You'll need a dry transfer printer (not an inkjet) such as the ALPS printer, and clear decal paper. __________________ Peter

08-22-2001, 10:16 AM	#3
Jao Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Age: 31 Posts: 1,756	Who supplies clear decal papers? Are there any brands? I can't use an HP1220C Deskjet? __________________ JAO Please visit my webshots for more pictures.Thank you. http://community.webshots.com/user/jaopao http://www.wings900.com/gallery/show...t=1&ppuser=602

08-22-2001, 04:38 PM	#4
Sgt Caribou Insane Collector Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA, eh Age: 45 Posts: 1,663	Decal Solution Guys I tried running decals off a good inkjet (Epson photo quality) and it did not work. The images wouldn't dry on the paper, even after hours they smudged badly when touched. The odd thing is, this was using decal paper supposedly designed for use on an inkjet printer! Managed to find a decal manufacturer, located at the Decal Connection in Tequesta FL. E-mail at DecalConnection@juno.com I had custom decals made there recently and the result is at least as good as the best commercial decals I have ever used. In fact I am applying them to a project right now and they go on with no telltale demarcation lines, and react well with setting solution. Drop Jim a line, just ensure the file you send is to the correct scale (e.g., how it would look when printed on A4 size paper - I sent in the wrong size at first and the markings came back way too large, my mistake). Brian S.

08-22-2001, 09:14 PM	#5
Jao Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Age: 31 Posts: 1,756	Oh I see...thanks Brian. __________________ JAO Please visit my webshots for more pictures.Thank you. http://community.webshots.com/user/jaopao http://www.wings900.com/gallery/show...t=1&ppuser=602

08-23-2001, 12:55 AM	#6
HNL-Chris Insane Collector Join Date: May 2000 Location: Honolulu, HI/Pueblo, CO USA Age: 24 Posts: 2,086	Ink Jet Decals I'm using a product called "Super Cal" decal film and "Last Stop" decal coating spray. Both products are designed for ink jet printers and so far...I'm real happy with the quality. Using the fixative spray sets the decal and there is no smudging. However, learning how to handle the decals is difficult as the material is thin, likes to tear and hard to get into position. So, if you don't have the money for an Alps printer, I would say give this system at try. __________________ To visit Chris and Jack's 1/400 & 1/500 photo albums at, Click here or our web site at http://www.hnl-chris.com

08-23-2001, 07:15 AM	#7
Jao Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Age: 31 Posts: 1,756	Where can we purchase SuperCal Chris? Are there any online shops? Thanks __________________ JAO Please visit my webshots for more pictures.Thank you. http://community.webshots.com/user/jaopao http://www.wings900.com/gallery/show...t=1&ppuser=602

08-23-2001, 05:15 PM	#8
ptolbert Insane Collector Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Waco/Woodway, Tx Age: 22 Posts: 1,205	www.paper-paper.com __________________ Ptolbert Long Live N615DL!!!!! ------------------------------ One World United together fighting poverty, social injustice, and foreign Domination of Industries, and just plain dumb people.

08-23-2001, 05:55 PM	#9
niels Insane Collector Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,518	Only problem I see with Ink Jetted decals (using this Super Cal stuff) is that unlike the ALPS (which uses thermal wax pigments), ink jet colors can fade. On the other hand, of course, I would not want to leave stock tampo-printed Dragons and Geminis in the sun too long either! __________________ ---- BWIA West Indies 1:400 final livery MD-83; oldest liveries: Britannia, Viscount, Viking, DC-3; sandy livery: A321, DC-9-30, -80, 727, 707-138, -220) 1:250 scale? No, thank you. ---------------------------

08-24-2001, 05:03 AM	#10
Jao Insane Collector Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Age: 31 Posts: 1,756	Thanks guys for all the info you all have been very very big help. __________________ JAO Please visit my webshots for more pictures.Thank you. http://community.webshots.com/user/jaopao http://www.wings900.com/gallery/show...t=1&ppuser=602

08-24-2001, 11:32 AM	#11
ModelSaurus Collector Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gulf Coast Age: 38 Posts: 105	Model What model of ALPS do you recommend? MD 1000, MD 2010, MD 4000? __________________ Jack

08-24-2001, 01:06 PM	#12
Peter Johnson Collector Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: From KDAW, 316deg 3.11nm Posts: 108	There are two primary differences between the models -- the highest resolution of the printout, and the number of ribbons the printer holds. I have the MD-5000, which has a maximum 2400dpi resolution. I'm not up on the specs, but I'd guess the lowest resolution version is at least 600dpi, still plenty of resolution for decal printing. The -5000 also does photo-quality dye sublimation printing, if you're into digital photography. The -5000 holds up to 7 ribbons at once. This is handy if you're undercoating or overcoating, or using metallic ribbons for silver and gold. Otherwise it won't make a huge difference. Also, the models are specific to IBM PC or Mac printer ports, so don't get the wrong kind! Hope this helps! __________________ Peter

08-24-2001, 04:10 PM	#13
niels Insane Collector Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,518	I may have posted this before but there is a forum for those making decals with ALPS printers (and Citizen and OKI clones thereof) where you can join and search the subject index archives for whatever question you have or post a new question. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alpsdecal __________________ ---- BWIA West Indies 1:400 final livery MD-83; oldest liveries: Britannia, Viscount, Viking, DC-3; sandy livery: A321, DC-9-30, -80, 727, 707-138, -220) 1:250 scale? No, thank you. ---------------------------

08-24-2001, 04:39 PM	#14
BillTse Senior Collector Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 355	Niels: Since you mentioned Citizen & OKI clones, would you happen to know what models are still on the market? Except for ebay, I haven't found any place that still have ALPS printers in stock.

08-24-2001, 05:56 PM	#15
niels Insane Collector Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: , Location, Location Posts: 1,518	Not sure whats on the market now. I got my OKI (DP-5000) just over a year ago. There was a company selling reconditioned ALPS fairly cheaply once. Best bet is the forum I mentioned above. __________________ ---- BWIA West Indies 1:400 final livery MD-83; oldest liveries: Britannia, Viscount, Viking, DC-3; sandy livery: A321, DC-9-30, -80, 727, 707-138, -220) 1:250 scale? No, thank you. ---------------------------

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08-24-2001, 09:08 PM	#16
ptolbert Insane Collector Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Waco/Woodway, Tx Age: 22 Posts: 1,205	ALPS printer isnt produced anymore. __________________ Ptolbert Long Live N615DL!!!!! ------------------------------ One World United together fighting poverty, social injustice, and foreign Domination of Industries, and just plain dumb people.

09-05-2001, 01:26 PM	#17
Vikings770 Professional Photographer Join Date: Sep 2001 Age: 40 Posts: 2,965	This is where I bought mine. http://store.yahoo.com/beldecal/index.html