Custom Decals / Insignias Custom Tutorial
This tutorial shows you how to make and apply custom decals and insignias for your action figures.
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John Harmon’s Guide to Making Custom Decals for Action Figures
So you’re working on a custom, and it’s of a superhero. You’re almost finished, and you just have one last thing left to include. The insignia! The insignia is the most important part of any superhero costume, but it’s really hard to paint. If you were to try and paint an insignia, it might come out sloppy. And there are so many characters that would need one, whether it be the superhero, or a military figure, or even something like the Ghostbusters with their shoulder patches.
There is a solution to the problem: computers! Yes that’s right, you can make the insignia on your computer, and apply it to the figure. This is the best solution most of the time, because not even the steadiest of hands can match what a computer can do. For this tutorial, you will need Photoshop or a similar program, and you will need to be adept at it. If not, you’ll either have to learn or get a friend to help. Sorry if that makes it harder on some, but when dealing with custom insignias and decals, knowing graphic art is a must.
You’ll also need a printer, a pair of scissors, clear packing tape (EZ Start sold at Walmart works best), Krazy glue (or just regular super glue if you prefer), and a pair of tweezers.
So, you have all your tools ready? Alright, let’s begin!
Disclaimer
Customize at your own risk!
Customizing can be a fun, but dangerous hobby. These tutorials are contributed by other customizers. Some of the things recommended in the tutorials may be dangerous, such as the use of boiling water or sharp objects. You shouldn't attempt anything mentioned without adult permission and supervision. Figure Realm and/or the authors of the tutorials are not liable for any injuries or damages occurring from any attempt to follow suggestions in these tutorials.
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Inkjet decals need to be sprayed with sealer after printing, if you don't the water will cause the ink to run when applying them.
Laser decals don't need to be sealed, they're ready to apply after printing.
In both cases it's still recommended to use sealer after applying the decal, simply to help blend the edges to the figure. You can also use stuff like a decal softer.
Thanks
Have you tried this with decal paper available at some hobby stores?
I have the paper, but haven't tried it yet because a) The paper costs $10 for five 5 x 8 sheets and I don't want to waste it. I'm trying to fill the sheet with as many declas as possible and b) I didn't know to set the DPIs to 600. When I shrink the images, they look like Minecraft animals.
In stead of covering the decals in packing tape, could you just place a drop of superglue on top of it?