HOW TO.

How to apply Decals…

Firstly there are sevral ways to apply decals.
Here I’ll give you a quick guide on how to apply it to your “Bricks”/LEGO, or any other surface you’d like to apply them to and what tools you’ll need for each technique.
The sevral techniques are as following:

1. The PhotoTransfer technique.
2. The Inkjet technique.
3. The Laserprint technique.
4. The Glue technique.
5. The ClearTape technique.
6. The Sticker paper technique.

The thing common for them all, in order to get the best results, is to make sure the print it self comes out as good as possible.
So make sure you have a printer that can print minimum 300dpi, (most do). Then go to the setttings on your printer and a choose “high detail” level, and the correct type of paper to print on before printing. (For Decal papers use the glossy settings, and i recomend this for all the methods mentioned here.)

Techniques

1. Phototransfer technique: You print the decals on to a paper (For best results use a phototransfer paper), then apply a phototransfer medium to the piece you want to stick it to and on to the decal on the side where the ink is.
then you press the decal onto the surface you want to stick it to carfully, try not to smudge it as it might get crocked and uneaven that way. Let the medium activate for 2-5 minitues while applying some light presure on to it.
Then apply water to carfully remove the paper. the ink should then have been transferd over to the piece you applied it on.
If there are some paper residue left, you can use a acrylic clear coat, it will makke it go away and protect it froms scratching as well..

What you need: Decal file, Printer, Photo Transfer Paper, Scissor/Exacto Knife, Photo Transfer Medium (Recommended: Hobby line Transfer POTCH, or Mod Podge), Water, Towel/Sponge, Paitcence

Verdic results= OK (Best usage for this method might be for applying faces)

2. Inkjet technique: You simply use a inkjet printer to print the decals on to a sheet of decal paper, (white /blank). let them cool of for a minute. Then you spray the entire print with 2-3 layers of a matt/gloss varnish and let it dry. (this is to trap the ink, so it dont sepperates when soaked in water).
Then you cut out the decals you want to apply, soak them in lukewarm water (30-60 secounds), untill the decal loosens from the paper, and you can slide it over the area you want to apply it. Then let it dry untill it’s fully dry (10-15 min).
Use decal softener to soften the decals edges, it will “melt” it to blend perfectly to the surface it’s applied on.
Use a spunge or towel to press lightly on it to remove moisture so it dries quicker.
Then spray the piece with a varnish to seal it.

What you need: Decal file, Inkjet Printer, Decal paper (white/blank), Scissor/Exacto knife, Decal softener, Acryllic varnish (matt or blank, depending on what look you want) Water, Towel/Spunge, Tweezers, Small brush (for easier manipulation of decal when applying) Paitcence

Verdic results= Great (Best overall usage)

3. Laserprint technique: You simply use a laser printer to print the decals on to a sheet of decal paper, (white /blank). let them cool of for a minute, cut out the decals you want to apply, soak them in lukewarm water (30-60 secounds), untill the decal loosens from the paper, and you can slide it over the area you want to apply it. Then let it dry untill it’s fully dry (10-15 min).
Use decal softener to soften the decals edges, it will “melt” it to blend perfectly to the surface it’s applied on.
Use a spunge or towel to press lightly on it to remove moisture so it dries quicker.
Then spray the piece with a varnish to seal it.

What you need: Decal file, Laser Printer, Decal paper (white/blank), Scissor/Exacto knife, Decal softener, Water, Towel/Spunge, Tweezers, Small brush (for easier manipulation of decal when applying) Paitcence

Verdic results= Great (Best overall usage)

4. Glue technique: You simply print them out on regular paper, cut out the decals alongs the outer rim and use regular pva glue, mod podge or super glue to stick it onto your surface that you want to apply the decals to, then carefully align them up to the surface.

What you need: Decal file, Printer, Printer/photo paper, PVA Glue/super Glue/Mod podge, Scissor/Exacto knife, Paitcence

Verdic results= OK (Most accsessable way to apply it)

5. ClearTape technique: Print your decals on any printer, using regular printer paper. Then you apply a layer of cleartape onto the decals carefully, (Make sure not to get any air bubbles trapped in the claretape). Then you trim the decals into the right size and soak it in lukewarm water for 5 minutes. The paper will then dissolve in the water and your left with the print onto the tape, carefully lift it up and let it dry compleatly on a towel for a while. then you are left with a decal you can now add to any surface, if you struggle to make it stick you can use clear modge podge or glue to stick it on to the surface.

What you need: Decal file, Printer, Printer paper, ClearTape, water, Towel, Paitcence

Verdic results= Poorly (would not reccomend it for bricks or minifigs)

6. Sticker paper technique: Print your decals on any printer, using white sticker paper.
Then you trim the decals into the right size using a exacto knife or scissors. Carefully place the sticker on the wanted destionation. For extra durability you can cover it in a light spray of clear acryllic varnish.

What you need: Decal file, Printer, Sticker paper, exacto knife or scissors, acryllic varnish, Paitcence

Verdic results= good

IMPORTANT!

Keep in mind, most printers can’t print white, and use the paper to compansate for it by blending the colors with the white of the paper.

So colors might differ from the original design quite substantial if you print on “Blank” decal paper. So for torso’s and body’s, I recommend to use “White” Decal paper in most cases.
And only use “Blank” decal paper for faces.
But you will not be able to get the white dots in the eyes or teeth, to “pop” like in the original designs.

Way to fix this is by using a needle, with some white acryllic paint and carfully apply it on the right spots. before sealing it varnish.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO PROCEED
On using Waterslide Decal paper method (best results)

Step 1: Print them on Clear Waterslide Paper. Use the High detail setting, and select glossy/glossy II paper type.

Step 2: After printing them, spray 2-3 layers of clear matt varnish to protect the ink from dissolving in water, and let it dry properly.

Step 3: Cut out the design you want to apply. Dip it in luke warm water (30-60 secounds) so it relase the decal from the paper.

Step 4: Carfully lift the decal up form the water, (using tweezers and a small brush, makes it easier). Then place it on the surface you want it to stick to.

Step 5: Make sure there’s no air trapped undert the decal, before it dries, carffully use a spunge or cloth to speed up the drying process.

Step 6: Use a brush to apply “Decal softener” to melt the decal into the surface, creating a seemless blend to the brick it’s applied to.

Step 7: Use a varnish to seal the decal protecting it from UV damage and scratches. (Acryllic Matt aerosol Varnish is reccommended, for an easy and eaven spread)

Step 8: Congratulation!! Your’re now done.
Now enjoy your masterpiece!