"Using decals for clothing pattern in 28mm" Topic

Has anyone done this? Seems like a faster way to put an ancient Persian army on the table.

Explain, please.

Yes, but not Persians. It's not necessarily quicker

It's one of the more challenging things to do with decals

Decals are very transparent, so only on white surface and it is hard, if not impossible to get them to conform to folds in a jacket

John

Print the pattern on thin paper, using a laser printer. Soak the paper in Mod Podge, then press it into place using a Q-tip (may require multiple Q-tips, dipped in water), carefully, and patiently. It will not conform perfectly, but it should conform for the most part. Either it will work, or it will not. Let it dry, and see how it looks. If it fails to pass muster, soak it in water, or Simple Green cleaning agent, full strength, to remove the paper and any paint applied. Soak it for 48 hours, then scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove the remnants.

I have Mod Podge'd paper 'labels,' color laser printed, on 20# white paper, applied to round and kite shields, on 30+ mini's. It was not perfect, but it was good enough, at arm's length. Cheers!

I kind of have to agree with jwebster. Now, I am a fantasy gamer, not a wargamer, so I do individual figures rather than whole armies. But I've tried to apply home-made decals to my miniatures for dress designs, and it was kind of a time-consuming process. Don't get me wrong, it worked, but if I had to do it to multiple figures, I would probably go out of my mind. Or develop a tic. Anyway, just my two cents.

I know First Corps did decals for their knights shield, barding and surcoat. I have to agree with others on this thread in my experience getting decals/transfers to sit properly on any surface that isn't dead flat is a pain even convex surface like a hoplite shield or space marine shoulder pads can cause a problem. I'd imagine applying decals to a whole army of robes would actually be more frustrating and time consuming than painting the patterns on.

Just man up and paint them

You could try using these. Sakura paint brush pens. I have found them to be very useful in painting designs on clothing, shields, etc.

link

I think trying to put a pattern on the whole shirt or trouser would be too problematic. I am thinking of limiting myself to the hem. Or using simple geometric line patterns.

As for clothing folds… if I give this a go, I think a figure from the Crusader Miniatures line would be ideal as they have lots of flat areas compared to other figs.

I am curious about the paint pens mentioned by Perris0707. That sounds promising, do you have any pics you mind sharing?

gbowen, that is very nice brushwork.

Thank you all for your time and input!

I wouldn't recommend decals in this scale. Lozenge patterns are a bit cruel at 28mm. I've done it but- crazy.
The best tool is a toe nail round dot maker set. They are cheap and you can drop a dot, dry then drop a smaller dot inside. The other thing with Persians is a few fancy ones go along way to make one think they all are fancy.

Making stamps by carving erasers is another way to stamp patterns on.

The Immortal pattern here is not how I would paint 32 of them.

Lozenge pattern – the only way is to gut it out and save it for officers.

I don't use decals for clothing, but I do make decals to use for eyes… ;-)