I think usual practice is to cover them with clear lacquer.

I have some water transferred decals after apply them on the hull how can I protect them so they won't come off when submerged?

Hi Johnforty.
I see that you have already ordered some stickers elsewhere but I thought you might like to know of a UK supplier that I have used for custom vinyl lettering and numbers.

I used them for some custom lettering on my Southampton Pilot Boat and they were excellent 👍.
Decals & Stickers are based near Manchester UK.
https://www.decalsandstickers.co.uk/shop/
https://model-boats.com/blogs/71877
Robbob.

i am sure you will be pleased with Callie's graphics
if there is any problems. she will correct it.

Calle of Calle Graphics replied again and I have placed an order. J 👍

Wow! Put this amount of people together and we are bound to have a lot of ideas. But, that is what all this is about.

One more method... you might not have noticed it but on my last Springer tug build I have the simulated openings for the "water coolers" by painting them on (black paint).

After figuring out the pattern I 3D printed a mask. I then taped it on (both sides) and spray painted the pattern. Attached photo shows the mask and the finished pattern on the hull.

This could open up an entirely new way of applying artwork. Either make the mask or I assume it is possible to actually 3D print the artwork real thin then cement it to the model. May not work in every instance, but might be worth a thought.

Lew
Florida, USA 🇺🇸

Hi all, I have been reading about placing decals on models. I was shown a different way which might surprise.

So, perhaps not for transfers but decals thin plastic and sticky this works very well and I have used this way for many years.

First peel the backing off and place the decal into warm soapy water. Leave it for a bit and make sure the surface it is to be stuck on is cleaned and wet.

Take the decal out and position it where you want. It can be slid about until you are happy. Then, with a sponge, start at the centre and firmly squeeze out all the water and any bubbles. Because it is warm, the decal will take up any slight curve without any difficulty.

Gently wipe dry and job done!

Yes I didn't believe it until I tried it!

I was finishing a model yacht (Graupner Libera Ocean) and it has the name about 10 inches long to be applied to the hull sides.
This way it was placed exactly in the right position, which I doubt could have been done the dry way.
Roy

I thought Callie was expensive based on a quote I got from them. However, their product would be much more durable for marking, especially if it was placed on the hull.

Decals have their place as well, especially surfaces that are irregular such as rivets or seams. There are softeners to help decals to conform to such shapes. The vinyl is thicker than the decal base.

I would not throw out my decal paper.

Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

Hi All, Thanks for the replies. I have just sent contact email to Callie Graphics but they are closed for vacation until 16th. I will let you know how I get on. Thanks again, John

Forget about decals!
No question about it, best source of graphics for best price
Callie Graphics, in the US.

Select the font on your printer, reverse it, get a role of white sticky back vynal cut it to fit the printer flatern it out and print it on the reverse side then cut the numbers out using scissors or a scalpel remove the backing and stick it where you want it. Bob C🤞

Lew,
Yes we are on similar wavelengths. If you colour background, draw decals and then remove them from the background. when you print it the decals will be the same colour as the target medium
Len

You could use BECC vinyl numbers in the UK. Available from many model outlets.

Not too sure what Bombero meant, so I might be on the same track. Most of the decal paper is clear so you print the color on that and apply it to the model.

However, I also use white decal paper which allows me to print a decal with with white in it or even light colors (the color on a white background) because just printing a "light color" will not work on clear decal paper, especially if the model is dark.

As the entire sheet of white decal paper is solid white any background that needs to show through (the model) within the perimeter of the decal will need to be cut away or painted it after the decal sets.

Attached is an example. The star can be multiple pieces or one piece with the non white parts green (what Idid). However, it is very difficult to match the inkjet green segments within the star with the model finish. I must use paint and brush in those areas. Same with the numbers.

Lew
Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

if you have access to photoshop (or similar) if you colour the background then create your decals and /or numbers in white, then print and cut round the decals. Job done doing this way you can have decals of different colours as required!
Len

You don't say the size hieght you need Amazon sells them they are vinyl stickers https://www.amazon.com/Chartpak-Self-Adhesive-Vinyl-Numbers-01106/dp/B004O7DGGU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1ME6XDXKTITVF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lvlfQ1Zlv-WvnW3Oe3z9fKBdoKjdVyPWEpIvpwFhY2bEBD8sCexkKy22G3CwZL6xQzhe1CWrcbdcEk67RmfeApoeK_OImS0d8jycUihGDx151ePdWIIrcFOXHXUek00VFB5r7oZkfJd8P7yqOaVAg0o3_uKAIBjpKAwQUneP4EfphKHcKuKpacxUpqUKWARy7cWID9iVgmcUq_H7pqgdMrFn2Hkj89--cp8JDZ-uAgDeZQK3h9I3f1w7bQ0CMyCpwT2r_DqfUhpOI1kN9HDnW903pcdIMKsX_6HgGMmByco.YyEA_QzIAdAvUQBaQdLzdtukX3_dOXGHVGIved7m0Js&dib_tag=se&keywords=1%2F4+inch+white+vinyl+letters+and+numbers+stickers&qid=1725457853&sprefix=white+vinyl+letters+1%2F4%22%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-3

Callie Graphics, in the US.
https://callie-graphics.com/
-Marty-