Mark J -
When you buy Cartograph or other commercially available decals, the white layer and color layers are all together as one piece. The old ALPS printers could also do that. Since they were already out of production when I started doing decals, I chose to use two separate layers using laser printers. For David's info, my whites are pure white - I don't use light gray, although some people have done that.
This means that you have to put the white layer on your model, let it dry completely, and then apply the color layer on top, and align the two layers properly.
David uses decal setting solution to get the decals to lay down. I use Future Floor Wax instead. Using a custom made application tool ( a finger ), smear some Future where you want the decal to go. then, while the Future is still wet, put the decal in place, and smooth the decal out with a damp paper towel or rag.
Get the bubbles out from underneath the decal, and wipe off any excess. Let dry completely.
Then repeat the process for the color layer on top.
David is correct - the smaller white decals in a single layer, seem to stand out, even on bright or dark paints.
The larger while decals generally need two layers to look good, and sometimes even three layers to look excellent. Your mileage may vary :-)
Thanks,
Greg Holland
vsrn
