those turned out great. I would really like to know the decal process. I have had a lot of ideas lately. is there a thread somewhere that explains it?(edit)...sorry, I should ask WHICH is the best thread to view. there is close to 80 threads w/keyword decal. I have time, but not that much.
Paul,
I've only been at it for a very short while. The info I used to get started was this thread
http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43032, which also contained this tutorial link
http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/Kerux/blog/3811.
Also, I'm not sure where I picked this up (except it was from someone else on IAP), but a good way to print decals on the odd size decal paper (5.5" x 8.5") is to:
1 - Print the image you will use on regular 8-1/2 x 11 paper to get the size right
2 - Cut a small piece of decal paper (about 1" x 1" or whatever size is a little larger than the image)
3 - Tape the decal paper directly over the printed image on the regular paper (I use scotch tape, two pieces, one over the top 1/16" of the decal paper and one over the bottom 1/16" of the decal paper)
4 - Re-insert the paper into the printer and reprint (this time it will print on the decal)
5 - Let the ink dry and spray with bonder per Testors instructions
This works well to avoid using lots of decal paper. I figure if you use squares of about 1" x 1", then each sheet will yield about 40 decals and each pack of six sheet will provide about 240 decals. At about $13.50 for six sheets of decal and a can of bonder, that makes each decal cost only about six cents.
Lastly (again remember I am a novice) it seems that the decal goes on smoother by using Grizz's tutorial but also by slightly dampening the area where the decal will go just before sliding it onto the pen barrel. This seems to allow you to reposition the decal easier after sliding it onto the pen and also seems to aid in smoothing out air bubbles.
Hope this helps.