Folks,
Work and five (yes five) kids have been occupying my time for the last several years. I am also the advertising chair for AROC USA, and the Alfa Owner, though I have been seeking my replacement. If interested, drop me a note. I have been enjoying the Alfas and Ferraris on rare occasion. And may actually let a couple of the cars go this coming spring.
I have for some time been looking for an effective way to share with the community the collaborative effort to create decals for 70s and forward classic Alfas. I mention that model year range as that is what I have ready at the moment. Below, you will see a link. The link, a google drive, will give you access to files I created with your contributions. These files may not be perfect, but they are close.
The files are multiple pages of PSD (photoshop) files. And the PSD files have layers allowing you to turn on and off individual decals. The decals can be printed at home with the proper materials and a simple inkjet printer. I personally used a higher end photo printer by cannon as it had not fading (archival) ink. But I think very good results can be had with a HP inkjet for example.
The process is simple.
1. Download the files for your particular model of Alfa. Decal Google Drive
2. Download Photoshop if needed. A free CS2 version can be acquired through Adobe. Adobe Photoshop CS2
3. Open one PSD page file at a time and using photoshop turn on and off the layers by clicking on the eye next to the image on the right column
4. The files are typically on a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet, and the individual images have their sizing embedded (unless noted with the file name as deviated).
5. Print on Inkjet vinyl. I used an Avery IPM 2500 white inkjet vinyl
6. Cut the individual decals from the sheet leaving white border margin for handling
7. While keeping the decal face clean of lint and dust, laminate with 5 year clear vinyl. Start at one end and carefully roll the clear across the printed surface keeping bubbles from being trapped. I used a generic 5 year clear laminate
8. Be sure to press any air bubbles from behind the laminate.
9. These can be heat cured if desired in the oven at around 140 degrees or less for a few minutes to make them immediately pop, but not necessary.
10. Cut to the appropriate shape. Guillotine style cutter would come in handy along with a good pair of scissors. Some are squared off, some are rounded corners. Some have white margin. Refer to your originals.
There are some decals that must be printed on clear vinyl and laminated, and adheared to chrome vinyl. Examples include the FISPA decals, the alternator decals, some coil decals, etc. Some decals have to be printed mirrored on clear, then laminated with white vinyl. An example is the Aria Condizionata decal. These are not included in the PSD pages for the individual models. Rather, they are accessible in individual folders as files for printing as 6"x 4" size vinyl.
Any questions or requests for additional files, pop me an email at jmduncan01 at aol dot com. PM won't work as I am well over my PM limit. I will be working on a late 60s file to accommodate the Duetto/Spider and Stepnose. Please do not make modifications to the files on the drive, and do not add new files to the drive. Just pop me with needed changes and additions.
If you are utilizing the files, I do have one request, pay it forward. Might be a gift for a child that otherwise wouldn't get one, turning a wrench for an Alfa buddy who doesn't need to be turning wrenches, do something of your own creation....as sappy as it sounds...making the world a little bit better place. It would be great to see your posts on this thread with what you did to pay it forward. With that said, enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Best Regards,
John M
PS. Photo of the latest addition (but I think I would trade her for a 4C Spider! :O)
Work and five (yes five) kids have been occupying my time for the last several years. I am also the advertising chair for AROC USA, and the Alfa Owner, though I have been seeking my replacement. If interested, drop me a note. I have been enjoying the Alfas and Ferraris on rare occasion. And may actually let a couple of the cars go this coming spring.
I have for some time been looking for an effective way to share with the community the collaborative effort to create decals for 70s and forward classic Alfas. I mention that model year range as that is what I have ready at the moment. Below, you will see a link. The link, a google drive, will give you access to files I created with your contributions. These files may not be perfect, but they are close.
The files are multiple pages of PSD (photoshop) files. And the PSD files have layers allowing you to turn on and off individual decals. The decals can be printed at home with the proper materials and a simple inkjet printer. I personally used a higher end photo printer by cannon as it had not fading (archival) ink. But I think very good results can be had with a HP inkjet for example.
The process is simple.
1. Download the files for your particular model of Alfa. Decal Google Drive
2. Download Photoshop if needed. A free CS2 version can be acquired through Adobe. Adobe Photoshop CS2
3. Open one PSD page file at a time and using photoshop turn on and off the layers by clicking on the eye next to the image on the right column
4. The files are typically on a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet, and the individual images have their sizing embedded (unless noted with the file name as deviated).
5. Print on Inkjet vinyl. I used an Avery IPM 2500 white inkjet vinyl
6. Cut the individual decals from the sheet leaving white border margin for handling
7. While keeping the decal face clean of lint and dust, laminate with 5 year clear vinyl. Start at one end and carefully roll the clear across the printed surface keeping bubbles from being trapped. I used a generic 5 year clear laminate
8. Be sure to press any air bubbles from behind the laminate.
9. These can be heat cured if desired in the oven at around 140 degrees or less for a few minutes to make them immediately pop, but not necessary.
10. Cut to the appropriate shape. Guillotine style cutter would come in handy along with a good pair of scissors. Some are squared off, some are rounded corners. Some have white margin. Refer to your originals.
There are some decals that must be printed on clear vinyl and laminated, and adheared to chrome vinyl. Examples include the FISPA decals, the alternator decals, some coil decals, etc. Some decals have to be printed mirrored on clear, then laminated with white vinyl. An example is the Aria Condizionata decal. These are not included in the PSD pages for the individual models. Rather, they are accessible in individual folders as files for printing as 6"x 4" size vinyl.
Any questions or requests for additional files, pop me an email at jmduncan01 at aol dot com. PM won't work as I am well over my PM limit. I will be working on a late 60s file to accommodate the Duetto/Spider and Stepnose. Please do not make modifications to the files on the drive, and do not add new files to the drive. Just pop me with needed changes and additions.
If you are utilizing the files, I do have one request, pay it forward. Might be a gift for a child that otherwise wouldn't get one, turning a wrench for an Alfa buddy who doesn't need to be turning wrenches, do something of your own creation....as sappy as it sounds...making the world a little bit better place. It would be great to see your posts on this thread with what you did to pay it forward. With that said, enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Best Regards,
John M
PS. Photo of the latest addition (but I think I would trade her for a 4C Spider! :O)