Does anyone here print there own decals or have experience with it?
I really only need to know what kind of printer and paper I would need to print my own decals. Any other pointers are welcome. Alot of time I need decals that are on the clear paper so the background ends up being whatever I apply it over.
Would a printer like this be fine? - http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-LaserJet-Pro-CP1025NW-Workgroup-Laser-Printer-/200822361902?pt=COMP_Printers&hash=item2ec1f20f2e
Also, how do you adjust the size of the decal you want to print or even edit it?? I assume there are programs for that? Thanks!
Would a printer like this be fine? - http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-LaserJet-Pro-CP1025NW-Workgroup-Laser-Printer-/200822361902?pt=COMP_Printers&hash=item2ec1f20f2e
Also, how do you adjust the size of the decal you want to print or even edit it?? I assume there are programs for that? Thanks!
Comments
I also print out paper inserts from http://www.thecoverproject.net/ Not all the images here are retail (IE just like the original artwork). some are user created.
I found a local print shop that prints out each image on DVD-type paper for $3 each.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CENTRONICS-SIGN-MAX-48-PRO-VINYL-CUTTER-PLOTTER-/261144439155?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccd6be973
PM coming.
Originally posted by: dra600n
You can't print vinyl labels on an inkjet printer - it will either a.) jam, or b.) the ink will rub right off and never dry. It requires a fuser assembly to dry the toner/ink properly. You've probably seen glossy sticker paper, which, while nice, isn't near the quality a vinyl printer will print out.
PM coming.
No no no, for sure I saw it, i was impressed, the material claimed that you could peal and paste many times.
I think it said something for windows, but it was a very similar material like vinyl.
ETA:
I think it was this:
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/212881/Office-Depot-Brand-Inkjet-Static-Cling/
I guess is not vinyl but a similar material.
But anyway, PMA and dra600n hit the nail on the head. If you want something like the Metal Man decal you linked, you're going to need some specialized (read: expensive) equipment to get what you want. Generally you'll need to go to a printing company for this kind of stuff.
As for the whole cutting issue, you need to know if you want your stuff die-cut, or kiss-cut. This vid explains it pretty well:
Most people don't know what kiss-cut means, so I used the term 'die cut' in my thread. But, it's good to know what you want before you start talking to the printers. If you are going to want a lot of different shapes, try to find a place that does laser kiss-cutting. If you need any help, drop me a PM.
My problem is I have to order all these decals for my customers and it takes my graphics guy sometimes over a month to make them and Im just sick of waiting. I could do alot more business if I could just make them myself at home but I thought it was easier than this to make small decals like I need. Thanks.
Originally posted by: AllYourBasss
Should've PM'd me, dude, I literally just started selling vinyl stickers like you linked today, lol.
But anyway, PMA and dra600n hit the nail on the head. If you want something like the Metal Man decal you linked, you're going to need some specialized (read: expensive) equipment to get what you want. Generally you'll need to go to a printing company for this kind of stuff.
As for the whole cutting issue, you need to know if you want your stuff die-cut, or kiss-cut. This vid explains it pretty well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pE5RAsSkNk
Most people don't know what kiss-cut means, so I used the term 'die cut' in my thread. But, it's good to know what you want before you start talking to the printers. If you are going to want a lot of different shapes, try to find a place that does laser kiss-cutting. If you need any help, drop me a PM.
I almost always need them die-cut.
I wish you were closer............. Decalninja.com is where I get them from now out of Florida. Hes really good but just like every sticker guy Ive ever talked to, hes extremely busy all the time with bigger projects and the Nintendo decals get pushed aside.
Originally posted by: CUSTOM NES GUY
My problem is I have to order all these decals for my customers and it takes my graphics guy sometimes over a month to make them and Im just sick of waiting. I could do alot more business if I could just make them myself at home but I thought it was easier than this to make small decals like I need. Thanks.
Gotcha. Yeah, unless you have a ton of startup capital, probably not going to happen. Best to stick with the graphics guy.
Originally posted by: CUSTOM NES GUY
What originally got me thinking of doing this is a comment I read on another modders page. If you scroll down to like the 2nd comments, he says he used a normal printer to make whats in the video and it looks great! Is he joking?? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q5uais1aII
Well, if you have a good quality printer and enough patience to cut things perfectly by hand, then I guess it's possible. I doubt it looked nearly as good before he put the clear coat on. Probably worth experimenting with if you have clear coat to spare.
e: dra600n beat me to it, but yeah, still worth attempting with some good quality photo paper.
cold laminating had adhesive instead of heat seal on the edges and it is better to work with (cut)
We have a huge one at work, to laminate posters, but the small one I saw online was pretty cool, the only thing is that 9' inches is the widest you could go, and long I think they sell 50 feet rolls or 20..
^ that's the one that I'm on the lookout for ( thankfully used ones are way cheaper than the retail price when they show up ), but I'll be able to do all sorts of stuff. I'll let you know if I ever decide to go through with it.
If he made these as well I find it hard to believe he cut around each one -
This is a potential next project - http://oi46.tinypic.com/9ie1za.jpg
A part of my job is designing, printing and applying any type of decal/stencil anybody could need.
We use two different Gerber brand printing/cutting machines, and one Roland Printer/Cutter/etcher/engraver....All with special material to print and print on.
All of them use Omega software. Which lets you do anything you want. Import images off the net, draw from scratch, stretch skew ect...
I am sure there has got to be a smaller home version one could use for personal use. I just have never thought to research it.
I hope you find what you are looking for and works out great for ya!
Edit - Wait, this thing just cuts and doesnt even print correct? How would you make a decal with multiple colors with it??
If you wanted to do multiple colors you would have to layer them.
Takes a lot of material and a steady hand to line them all up correctly. Also, the more colors you have the thicker the decal is and looks unprofessional.
If money was not an issue, Roland makes one that prints and cuts...I am not sure if there are any other cheaper ones that do.
You could research the DRMO auctions and see if any sign shop is selling their machines. We usually go ever 10 or so years before getting an upgrade. I know there are 5 machines on my base, not counting the Army next door. I am sure in the area there are 10 machines and they have to sell sometime.
DRMO sells all the crap on hand for CHEAP!!! I mean real CHEAP, and anybody can go and buy.
Got a pop up camper that was $13K 5 years ago for $2K at auction...
Maybe the local area will have a website that lets you know when the next auction is and what they are selling.
IT IS A LONG SHOT, but hey...