Printable CF pattern?

Do any of you have a CF pattern that you use to make your own CF decals? I'd like to do this, but don't have a pattern. I'd even like to try and do a "clear" decal like SMS just came out with, if I can find a suitable pattern. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

Daniel

My friend uses those:

http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf1-1680x1050.png
http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf2-1680x1050.png

But:
-you need to take only a part of picture (cause of shading)
-you need to play around with scale (choose what fits best)

My friend uses those:

http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf1-1680x1050.png
http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf2-1680x1050.png

But:
-you need to take only a part of picture (cause of shading)
-you need to play around with scale (choose what fits best)

Wow they are pretty cool!
The first pattern though looks exactly like the new Studio27 3d decals. I have got them but have not used them yet but they look like they will take models to the next level of detail - they change depending on light and angle - just like the real thing:mad:

My friend uses those:

http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf1-1680x1050.png
http://ebin.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/wallpaper-cf2-1680x1050.png

But:
-you need to take only a part of picture (cause of shading)
-you need to play around with scale (choose what fits best)

That is a great pattern--thanks!

What decal film do you use? Do you print it out yourself, or do you take it to, say, Kinko's or a copy center?

Thanks!

Daniel

I think you're going to be disappointed.

It's a clever thought, but there is a world of difference between print it yourself decal film and the stuff you'd buy from SMS. They really are completely different materials, and inkjet or laser film will not behave at all like the 'real' stuff. It may have it's uses, but on anything other than small flat surfaces I expect it will give you great fits of trouble. :2cents:

I think you're going to be disappointed.

It's a clever thought, but there is a world of difference between print it yourself decal film and the stuff you'd buy from SMS. They really are completely different materials, and inkjet or laser film will not behave at all like the 'real' stuff. It may have it's uses, but on anything other than small flat surfaces I expect it will give you great fits of trouble. :2cents:

I wasn't going to use my printer. I was planning on using a service like Kinko's, since they ostensibly have much higher quality printers than I will ever think about...

I realize it's probably a pipe dream, but can you say it wasn't worth it if you haven't tried it? That's my thought.

Daniel

Printing quality is not the limitation- it is the printing method, and the film that the printing will be applied to.

It's like latex wall paint vs spray lacquer paint. Both are certainly paint, and both are useful. Both can even be useful in modeling. But they are not the same medium, and one cannot be expected to behave like the other- even though they are both in fact paint.

I didn't say it shouldn't be done- it may have it's uses. But if you're expecting it will be a substitute for another product, you may be disappointed.

Do you think copying and having a service print these decals will be cheaper, or better than just paying someone who has it down pat? Why not just get the stuff that has been tried and tested already.

Do you think copying and having a service print these decals will be cheaper, or better than just paying someone who has it down pat? Why not just get the stuff that has been tried and tested already.

I buy SMS CF decals regularly--I'm just looking into it as a possibility. If you don't ever explore other options, you are severely limiting yourself in most aspects of life.

What harm could come of just exploring this possibility? I never said I was going to do it... :nono:

What decal paper are you going to use? I tried some little badge decals using testors paper. I think with any decal paper you still need a clear decal film to coat the final print with. Those films make the finished decal very thick, when applying them on the model I didn't even try using decal softener in fear of washing off the ink underneath.

I have printed CF decals myself using a big laser printer/colour copier. It's possible that way ( forget inkjet prints...) but not a real substitute for the stuff you can buy. The printed on decal film is more brittle ( due to the toner on it and the sealing coat of liquid decal film or the likes ) than aftermarket CF decals.
The advantage of custom made stuff is that you can create your own patterns for types of CF and other composites ( 80's stuff for example ) that you can't find on the market and you can influence colours to.
As a money saving alternative i wouldn't recommend it though.