The spray left the surface of the decals sticky even after soaking them in water. There has been some talk on various forums about using a gloss finish spray such as Testors or Floquil as a decal bonder, all I can say about this is that I have tried them and they do not work. I have never tried any other brand of decal paper than Testors, so if anyone has, please feel free to comment. When you become prolific at making decals, (and you will!) you’ll soon find yourself running out of supplies like decal bonder spray and decal paper. Read the instructions and install the software and your almost on your way. I purchased the Testors Custom Decal System (704-9198) and an extra package of white decal paper (704-9202). I’ll discuss some other limitations concerning sealing the decals later, right now let me show you how I got started. Second, all but the most expensive printers will not print metallic colors such as gold or silver. Those that do are very expensive printers use the white background of the paper as white color in the design. First, the majority of inkjet printers will not print the color white. Unfortunately, making your own decals using an inkjet printer has some limitations which you should be aware of. They apply the sealant using a screen pad which only applies sealant to an area slightly larger than the design, this saves money. This typically is clear polyurethane which is applied over the ink. Because the inks are water based they need a sealant to protect them. The inks used come in many colors including white and metallic colors such as silver and gold. Several companies make ‘water-slide’ decals they typically are pad printed onto clear decal paper stock. They look like new panels.I have seen one or two cases where people carefully masked the lettering before painting.not too rewarding to look at closely but all depends on your liking.There are replacement decals for some, seems more for the old wood receivers than for communications receivers.Once before I bought the new front panel, I laboriously found typefaces and reproduced all the SX-71 markings in WORD in the correct size, they looked great printed out, and searched for a way to make my own white decals, maybe there is a better way now, that was ten years ago.As an aside, I was grateful to the National Radio designers for my recent NC-2 40D all the markings are on removable stainless steel circles you just take everything off, paint the cabinet, and put everything back on and you have a new looking receiver.Maybe somebody has some S-40 decals, good luck.First I think a brief explanation of how mass produced decals are made might be helpful in understanding the limitations that come with making your own decals. I had an SX-71 and an SX-43 done, I forget who did it. Well.that is the really hard part isn't it?Some people silk screen new front panels for you. I have done a few searches and found one or two sources for decals, but, I would like to hear from people who have used them.Are there "better" providers of these decals? Any particular types to avoid?Any tips or guides to relettering? Web pages with good info?Thanks a bunch,T!. But, what about the lettering on the case? If I am going to repaint I will need to reletter. Since I have a couple of them setting around, one complete but rough and one fairly nice, I decided I would start with a Hallicrafters S-40B.Now, I can see where doing the most of it is pretty straight forward. Mostly because I did not want to do the exterior.The time has come for me to do a few. My wife is very supportive of this, in fact she has brought home more "just because" rigs than I have, finding them at rummage sales and such and not really looking at them, just knowing I am gonna need them.lolWhile I have done what might be called electronic restos on several radios in the past, I have never done a full resto, bringing back a junk radio to usable/looking good condition. Lately I have picked up several in not so good condition, just because they were there. In general I have always tried to pick up rigs in good condition and keep them that way. I have owned boatanchors most of my life, at least since the late 60's / early 70's.
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