Scale model decals are thin water-slide or dry-transfer markings printed at reduced size for miniature vehicles, aircraft, ships, and figures. They reproduce liveries, numbers, sponsor logos, and technical stencils that would be impossible to paint by hand, and they are sized precisely to the kit's scale.
Understanding Model Scales
The scale ratio tells you how many times smaller the model is than the real object. A 1:24 model car, for example, is 24 times smaller than the actual vehicle, so a 100 mm logo on the real car becomes roughly 4.2 mm on the decal sheet. Common scales by subject:
- Model cars and motorcycles: 1:12, 1:18, 1:24, 1:32, 1:43, 1:64
- Aircraft: 1:32, 1:48, 1:72, 1:144
- Military vehicles: 1:35, 1:48, 1:72
- Ships: 1:350, 1:700
- Trains: HO (1:87), N (1:160), O (1:48)
When ordering custom decals, always state the scale and, ideally, the exact dimension in millimeters you want each marking printed at - this removes any ambiguity between manufacturer drawings and the kit you are building.
Water-Slide vs Dry Transfer for Models
Most kit decals are water-slide decals: you cut out the marking, soak it in water for 10-20 seconds, slide it from the backing paper onto the model, and position it with a wet brush. Dry transfer (rub-down) decals apply with pressure instead and are preferred for very fine stencils or irregular surfaces where a carrier film would show.
How to Apply Water-Slide Model Decals
- Apply decals over a gloss-coated surface so the film beds down without silvering (trapped air).
- Soak each decal briefly - over-soaking floats it off the backing and makes it hard to control.
- Slide it into position with a soft brush or cotton bud, then blot excess water.
- Use decal setting solutions to soften the film over panel lines and rivets.
- Seal with a clear coat (gloss or matte) to hide the carrier film edge and protect the marking.
What Makes a Good Model Decal Sheet
Professional model decals are screen-printed with high-density spot inks so colors stay opaque over any base paint. Registration must be tight because details are tiny; carrier film should be thin and trimmed close to the image; and whites must be printed under every color so the design does not turn translucent over dark paint. These are the quality points that separate kit-grade decals from hobby-shop generics.
Custom Decals for Model Brands
Model kit manufacturers, aftermarket decal brands, die-cast producers, and racing teams order custom sheets by the thousand. Typical projects include complete racing liveries, military insignia sets, airline markings, and detail-up parts. Factories can print to your artwork at exact scale, gang multiple kit versions on one sheet to cut cost, and match Pantone references to the real vehicle. Browse our custom decal products to see supported processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you print white and metallic colors?
Yes. Screen printing lays down opaque white underbases and metallic silver or gold inks that digital printers cannot reproduce, which is essential for markings applied over dark paint.
How small can details be printed?
With screen printing, legible text down to about 0.5-0.8 mm cap height is achievable, which covers technical stencils at 1:48 and larger scales. Finer detail is usually simplified for printability.
What file format should model decal artwork be?
Vector files (AI, EPS, or PDF) at 1:1 decal size are required so fine lines and text stay razor-sharp at print resolution.
What is the typical MOQ for custom model decals?
Factory screen-printed runs usually start from a few hundred sheets per design, with unit cost dropping sharply as quantity rises.
Working on a kit, die-cast, or aftermarket decal line? Send us your artwork for a fast quotation and free pre-production advice.
