DIY Decal printing - what kit?

[gerryattrick]

I work from home and need to buy a new printer very soon as mine is on its way out.

I wouldn't mind using the new one to print decals for my rebuilds and for the bikes at the cycle renovation charity I've started volunteering at.

Any ideas of what sort of printer I would need (I guess colour laser would be better than inkjet but not sure).

Type and best source for clear vinyl sheets, and also do you need clear top sheet to protect the decals.

It's not going to be a commercial operation as no way could I compete with others on this site.

 

[weeman_mtb]

I've made some decals in the past using the stuff I've posted in the link below and a standard photo inkjet printer. Results are good but you have to consider that these printers are designed to print on a white background so the decals will only show their true colours on white paintwork. Printing in black shows up ok on any background though. Also you have to give them a coat of clear laquer to protect them from washing/wearing off.

Can't really recommend a printer, mine is an old Epson R200, well out of date now but good enough to print decent photos.

 

[dyna-ti]

Or
you could contact the decal maker on here[AKA Gil-M]
No doubt making your own will be fun[ :shock: ] but is likely to cost more than proper made decals.Plus the time and frustration

 

[gerryattrick]

Or
you could contact the decal maker on here[AKA Gil-M]
No doubt making your own will be fun[ :shock: ] but is likely to cost more than proper made decals.Plus the time and frustration

I've bought off him before and will do again for my better bikes where I want quality. The stuff I'm thinking of doing will be to smarten up the charity bikes, the cost of which wouldn't justify professional decals - and you're right about it being a bit of fun.


Thanks Weeman-mtb, I'll bear the point about white background in mind.