WWII-style Nose Art

[chemnitz 328]

One of the things that I liked about the Clone Wars TV show was how it evoked WWII through things like news reels and nose art. Since the AT-RTs are salvaged Clone Wars tech, I thought that it would be cool to put some nose art on them. That provides a challenge--I am pretty sure that I can't free-hand nose-art, so I probably need to find some decals. I know that it is possible to print custom decals, but that seems like a hassle. Is anything like this available for purchase? Does anyone know of someone who has already made this kind of decals? Or if not, does anyone have experience with making custom decals, who can help me figure out the process?

Here are some examples that I found on the internets. I tried to avoid the most sexualized images, since I play this game with children.

Edited April 25, 2018 by chemnitz

[Animewarsdude 3,639]

Here are two more, the Padme one was actually addressed in one of the unfinished Clone Wars episodes featuring the bad bunch.

[Indy_com 1,144]

[Albertese 159]

Well, printing your own decals isn't that hard, really.  All you need is an ink jet printer that prints clearly on glossy photostock.  Scale the image you want to the size you like and print it out. Consider if you want to print on white decal paper or clear.  If white, the image will look good, but you either have to trim the image right up to the graphic, or else deal with a white boarder. Clear decal paper means you don't have to worry about the edges so much, but the ink is very transparent and the underlying color will definitely show through.  You can get away with this, though, if your basic background color is pretty light and neutral, like an off white or a pale gray. 

After you print it and the ink is dry, you'll need to seal it. Some companies will provide a specific spray labeled for setting decals, but it's just a glossy lacquer and any glossy lacquer will do. (but make sure the can actually does say lacquer if you aren't going with the manufacturer's spray.) 

Then it's just like using any decals. I always print several of the same graphic on a sheet in case something goes awry.  

It's very freeing being able to create your own custom decals. I think you'll enjoy it once you get the hang of it. 

[chemnitz 328]

2 hours ago, Albertese said:

Well, printing your own decals isn't that hard, really.  All you need is an ink jet printer that prints clearly on glossy photostock.  Scale the image you want to the size you like and print it out. Consider if you want to print on white decal paper or clear.  If white, the image will look good, but you either have to trim the image right up to the graphic, or else deal with a white boarder. Clear decal paper means you don't have to worry about the edges so much, but the ink is very transparent and the underlying color will definitely show through.  You can get away with this, though, if your basic background color is pretty light and neutral, like an off white or a pale gray. 

After you print it and the ink is dry, you'll need to seal it. Some companies will provide a specific spray labeled for setting decals, but it's just a glossy lacquer and any glossy lacquer will do. (but make sure the can actually does say lacquer if you aren't going with the manufacturer's spray.) 

Then it's just like using any decals. I always print several of the same graphic on a sheet in case something goes awry.  

It's very freeing being able to create your own custom decals. I think you'll enjoy it once you get the hang of it. 

Thank you for the helpful tips. Unfortunately, I do not have easy access to a color printer, so that throws a wrench in the plan.

[C3POFETT 833]

I have used Testors Decal kits for years and it is fairly easy. (custom slot cars and the shoulder patches for Bossk in Imperial Assault) 

I am planning on using them for Legion to throw Imperial or Rebel symbols on the AT-STs, T-47s, AT-RTs and Speederbikes. 

The post above gives great detail on the process. I cant stress the importance of scale. Also if you are applying light colored decals to a dark paint job you should paint the area where the decal will go with a light color (generally white) and then paint your darker color up to the printed decal. I had to learn that the hard way.

Edited April 26, 2018 by C3POFETT

[BigBadAndy 640]

There’s some pretty amazing artwork done in this style on the X-Wing painting community's thread too, if you’re interested.

[Ritalbringer 183]

If one of you can print these on water transfer paper, I will pay for it