Creating your own custom decals is one of the best ways to personalize a scale model. Whether you’re restoring a classic kit, replicating a real vehicle, or designing a completely unique project, custom waterslide decals allow you to add details that aren’t available in standard decal sets.
Designing decals requires more than simply placing artwork on a page. Accurate sizing, high-quality graphics, and proper printing techniques all play an important role in achieving professional results.
At DNH Decals, we’ve helped hobbyists, model clubs, and manufacturers worldwide create custom decals for a wide range of projects. Here are our top 10 tips to help you design and print high-quality scale model decals.
1. Start with Clear Reference Images
Every great decal begins with accurate reference material.
Collect as many references as possible, including:
- High-resolution photographs
- Original artwork
- Existing decal sheets
- Technical drawings
- Manufacturer logos and markings (where you have the right to reproduce them)
Multiple references help ensure correct colours, proportions, and placement.
2. Measure Your Model Carefully
Even the best-looking artwork won’t work if it’s the wrong size.
Before designing:
- Measure the exact area where each decal will be applied.
- Consider curves, panel lines, and surface details.
- Double-check dimensions before finalizing the artwork.
Accurate measurements reduce wasted time and ensure a better fit.
3. Use Vector Graphics Whenever Possible
Vector artwork stays sharp at any size and produces cleaner print results than low-resolution images.
Popular vector design software includes:
- Adobe Illustrator
- CorelDRAW
- Inkscape
- Affinity Designer
Vector graphics are ideal for:
- Logos
- Lettering
- Pinstripes
- Registration numbers
- Warning labels
4. Choose High-Resolution Images
If you need to use raster images, make sure they are high quality.
Low-resolution graphics often appear blurry or pixelated when printed.
Aim for:
- At least 300 DPI
- Clean edges
- Accurate colours
- Minimal compression
High-resolution artwork produces much better decals.
5. Select the Right Colours
Colours can appear different depending on the model’s paint and the decal printing process.
When designing:
- Use consistent colour references.
- Check colours against photographs.
- Test print if colour accuracy is critical.
Professional printing with a solid white base helps colours remain vibrant on both light and dark surfaces.
6. Plan for White Printing
Most home printers cannot print white ink, making white markings and light colours difficult to reproduce.
Professional decal printers overcome this by printing a white base layer beneath the artwork.
At DNH Decals, we print with 200% white opacity, helping colours remain bright and preventing the background paint from showing through.
This is especially important for:
- White lettering
- Bright logos
- Light-coloured graphics
- Decals applied to dark surfaces
7. Arrange Your Decal Sheet Efficiently
Good layout planning saves space and makes application easier.
Leave enough room between decals for cutting or handling while maximizing the printable area.
Organize decals by:
- Project section
- Vehicle side
- Colour
- Application order
A well-organized sheet is easier to use and reduces the risk of mistakes.
8. Test the Artwork Before Printing
Always review your artwork carefully before production.
Check:
- Spelling
- Alignment
- Colours
- Sizes
- Missing elements
- Print quality
Printing a paper proof at actual size is an easy way to spot potential issues before committing to the final print.
9. Use Professional Printing for the Best Results
While home printers can be useful for simple projects, professionally printed decals offer significant advantages.
Professional decal printing provides:
- Higher resolution
- Better colour consistency
- Durable inks
- White ink capability
- Cleaner fine details
- Greater opacity
- More reliable long-term performance
At DNH Decals, every sheet is printed using premium materials and professional equipment to deliver sharp, vibrant, and durable waterslide decals.
10. Protect Your Finished Decals
After applying your decals, seal them with an appropriate clear coat to improve durability and create a realistic finish.
Depending on your project, choose:
- Gloss finish
- Satin finish
- Matte finish
A protective clear coat helps blend the decals into the painted surface while protecting them from handling, weathering, and display conditions.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Creating professional-quality decals takes time and experience. If you’re unsure about artwork preparation, scaling, or printing techniques, working with an experienced decal designer can save time and ensure the best results.
At DNH Decals, we regularly recreate artwork from:
- Reference photographs
- Old decal sheets
- Hand sketches
- Customer artwork
- Historical references
Every design is reviewed before printing, giving you confidence that the final decals will match your project requirements.
Why Choose DNH Decals?
Whether you need a single replacement decal or a complete custom sheet, DNH Decals provides professional solutions for hobbyists, clubs, retailers, and manufacturers.
We offer:
- Custom decal design and artwork recreation
- Professional waterslide decal printing
- High-resolution printing
- 200% white opacity for excellent colour coverage
- Optional pre-cut decals
- No minimum order quantity
- Design approval before printing
- Worldwide shipping
Our goal is to make custom decal printing simple, accurate, and accessible for every modeler.
Final Thoughts
Designing your own scale model decals is a rewarding way to create models that stand out from the crowd. By using high-quality references, accurate measurements, vector artwork, and professional printing techniques, you can achieve results that look realistic and last for years.
If you’d rather leave the artwork and printing to the experts, DNH Decals is here to help. From artwork recreation to professionally printed waterslide decals, we provide everything you need to bring your ideas to life with precision, quality, and attention to detail.
