I would like to make my own decals, with my name, logo etc. and possibly be able to turn out individual ones for rods I custom build for others. I believe it can be done with computer and inkjet or lazer printer, I found some material called Lazertran waterslide decal paper on the 'net - which sounds like the stuff to use. Before I order up, does this work ? Any tips on what to do ? I have no info on it's suitability - help !! Matt.

Do a search on the topic, typically , the ink in home printers will not stand up th the UV rays of the sun, they fade badly. I make my rod owner name decals from dry transfer lettering and plain decal paper while my personal "Built by" decals come from Decal Connection. Any fish decal I buy from suppliers listed on this site.

Ink Jets fade badley (sometimes in weeks). I think that you will be unhappy with the results!! Check out Decal Connection

Mike

These inks will only show on a light colored background, also. Against a bare blank, they just disappear.

And, as said, over a white background, with much sunshine on them, they'll fade out fairly quickly.

Putter
Williston, ND

I believe that a laser printer will do the job. The output doesn't fade like inkjet output. I think that Art Sheck gives a procedure for making laser jet decals in black and white in his book.

Let the forum know how you made out.

Jim

What about if you used the new Threadmaster epoxy? It's supposed to have UV protectants in it? Is this a good question for Andy?

Bill in WV

Dye and pigments may be made of the same "colourant", were the difference is in the molecular binding of the colour. What I am trying to say - an inkjet ink maybe as stable or instable as another print technology. It is probablly not the inkjet technology that makes it stable or not, but the choice of the chemist in specifying the colour.

There maybe other issues with inkjet chemistry that I am not familar with that accelerates fading, but using my experience, I would speculate the issue is with the colour chemistry and not the inkjet.

Colour will fade to UV, but also to sunlight.

Your best choice - 1. make a sample. 2. cover halg of it. 3. Place it in a southern window for a month. 4. Remove the sample and tape for comparison.