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How to Make Decals for Die Cast Cars

Die cast cars can be made to scale with exacting detail. Every plane and curve of a vehicle, from the front bumper to the rear, can be modeled and assembled to create a vehicle that̵7;s a perfect replica of the original. The look of your die cast model may not be complete, however, without the use of a water slide decal. Water slide decals allow you to add pictures or lettering to the body of your die cast car. This will bring that final level of realism your die cast model needs, whether it̵7;s a race car needing sponsor logos or a bread delivery truck requiring the name of the company on its side. With a PC, a decal sheet and a printer you can quickly furnish the look you need.

Things You'll Need

PC with color printer
Computer image
White printer paper
Decal paper
Scissors
Clear acrylic spray paint
Bowl
Water
Rubber squeegee

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the image you need from an existing source or create the image using a graphics arts program. Edit the image so that the background is transparent. This will ensure that only the desired image prints through.
- 2
  Print a test version of the image using the printer paper. Adjust the image for size and colors if necessary to get the image just right for the model.
- 3
  Determine which side of the decal sheet is the print side and place in the printer oriented so that you print on that side only. Print the image onto the decal paper.
- 4
  Place the printed decal print side up onto a flat surface and wait 15 minutes for the decal to dry. Spray the printed decal with the clear acrylic spray paint, applying three layers of the paint to protect the painted surface. Allow the decal to dry between each application of the paint for 2 hours. Spray the decal in a dust-free room to prevent dust from marring the print.
- 5
  Cut the image from the paper, closely following the decal outline for the best visual look on your die cast model.
- 6
  Place the decal into a bowl of water for up to a minute until the decal is ready for application onto the model. The decal is ready when it slides slightly to the touch on the backing paper.
- 7
  Carefully remove the decal from the bowl, and with the backing paper still on, place it against the die cast model at the location where you wish to apply the image.
- 8
  Slide the backing paper from underneath the decal, carefully keeping the decal in place with your fingertips. Use caution when touching the decal due to the fragility of the material. Adjust the decal while it is wet to place it correctly.
- 9
  Dab lightly across the decal surface and around the decal with a small rubber squeegee to remove air bubbles and excess water. Allow the decal to set for three hours.
- 10
  Spray a layer of the clear spray paint over the decal to keep it in place and protect it from being peeled off due to handling.

Toy Vehicles