Glider Decals

1 - Using Self Adhesive Vinyl

You have completed the building of your scale glider and now you need to make it to look like the full size glider that first inspired you. You may have already finished your model in the correct colour scheme, but what about all those complicated graphics that adorn the sides of gliders. How do you go about creating them?

However, if you are confident in using your computer, you can keep the cost down by drawing your own graphics using any program that will save files in the .eps format. (I use Freehand but Adobe Illustrator is another good one) Designing them yourself can give hours of enjoyment and of course this way you get exactly what you want. You will then be able to take your designs on disc or simply eMail the file to your local signwriter for production.

If you would like to see what is involved in making your own files, you can download the four files below, one file for each colour plus the registration, which I used to detail my Rosenthal Swift

Swift Decals files for Download

Blues.eps
Reds.eps
Lilacs.eps
Registration.eps

	Underwing Decal layout Click this image to enlarge		Wingtip Top Surface

2 - Using your computer printer

The large solid colour decals are best done on Vinyl as discussed above, but for the smaller more intricate multicoloured logos you can make good use of your inkjet printer or even better a colour laser printer.

Two things have to be borne in mind when making your own decals : -

a) - You cannot print white, so this will decide your choice of printing paper

b) - Inkjet ink is NOT waterproof, but there are ways of overcoming this

So how do we make our decals? Fortunately there are many new papers on the market that will help us, for very little outlay.

If you go to your local computer paper supplier, you may find very limited choice of availability and suitability. Start by logging on to this web company Photoglossy.com. They only sell over the Net, but are very reliable and you will get your goods much cheaper and VAT free. You will be amazed at the range that is available and I can personally recommend their Folex and CompuColor papers which are cheaper and just as good as branded products such as Epson.

Whilst at the site you might also like to visit the inkjet refills section for your printer. Their COMPATIBLES range are again extremely good value and I use these myself without any noticeable difference when compared to branded products.

I have no connection with this company, but I am always interested in saving money. Right, enough of the advertising.

I purchased a five sheet set of Folex A4 Photo White Adhesive and A4 Clear Photo Adhesive for making the decals

Consider this DG graphic which sits at the top of the rudder on all DG gliders. You could use your white paper to print onto and then cut out the graphic for application. This would overcome the 'White' problem but you would have to cut carefully around the logo because of the edge shading.

This would leave a white edge the thickness of the paper showing around the decal but would be so small as to be insignificant.

Another better option on any white surfaced glider is to print onto transparent paper that will show no visible edges and the white colour will show through from the glider.

If your model is coloured, then you have to use the white paper, but when the decal is cut out, use a felt tip pen to colour the white edges to match your model.

Before printing, size the image to your models scale in your favourite graphics program. One final tip, always overspray your decal with a clear lacquer to make it waterproof. If you have no spray handy then sellotape applied prior to cutting out the decal will do just as well. People with laser printers can omit this stage, as their ink is already waterproof.