Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 Verified ((free)) [Simple 2024]

Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 — Verified Guide

Overview
The Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 is a compact desktop decal printer designed for hobbyists and modelers who need quick, small-run water-slide or adhesive decals. It combines an easy setup with dedicated decal media and inks to produce detailed markings for scale models, miniatures, RC vehicles, and custom craft projects.

Key features

• Compact footprint suitable for hobby benches.
• Dedicated decal printing media (water-slide and adhesive) engineered for crisp detail.
• High-resolution print capability for fine lines and small type.
• Simple software workflow aimed at hobbyists (import artwork, adjust scale, print).
• Integrated cutter or easy-to-trim output for precise decals.
• Compatible with common graphic formats (PNG, SVG, PDF) and basic color management.
• Consumables: decal sheets, cleaning fluid, and replacement print heads/ink cartridges available from Testors or authorized resellers.

Who it’s for

• Scale modelers needing custom insignia, numbers, and small lettering.
• Miniature painters who want precise decal transfers for bases and vehicles.
• RC hobbyists customizing liveries for cars, boats, and aircraft.
• Crafters creating personalized labels or small graphics without pressure-sensitive vinyl equipment.

Advantages

• Faster than hand-painting complex markings.
• Better fidelity for tiny text and intricate designs than many DIY methods.
• Lower per-decal cost for short runs vs. professional print shops.
• User-focused interface reduces technical barriers.

Limitations

• Not intended for large-format signage or high-volume commercial production.
• Some learning curve for handling water-slide decals (soaking, setting solutions).
• Durability depends on proper sealing/clearcoating after application.
• Replacement consumables may be regionally limited; check availability before purchase.

Basic workflow (prescriptive)

1. Design: Create artwork at final print size in a graphic editor; keep fine lines ≥0.2 mm for best reliability.
2. Test print: Print on plain paper to verify scale and alignment.
3. Print to decal media: Load the appropriate Testors decal sheet and print using the device driver.
4. Trim: Cut close to the design using scissors or a hobby knife.
5. Soak (for water-slide): Submerge decal in water 10–30 seconds until it releases from backing.
6. Apply: Slide decal into position; remove excess water and air with a soft brush.
7. Seal: After fully dry, protect decals with a clear coat (matte, satin, or gloss per model needs).

Tips for best results

• Use high-contrast artwork and vector formats for crisp edges.
• Apply decal-setting solution for curved surfaces and recessed details.
• Allow ink to fully cure before applying clear coats (follow Testors’ recommended wait times).
• Store decal sheets flat, away from heat and humidity.

Buying and support

• Purchase from hobby retailers or Testors’ authorized dealers.
• Verify regional support for consumables and service parts.
• Consult Testors’ user manual and online forums for model-specific techniques and troubleshooting.

Conclusion
The Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 is a practical, hobby-focused solution for anyone needing precise, small-format decals. It streamlines producing custom markings at home while requiring basic decal-application skill and attention to consumable availability.

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Bringing Custom Builds to Life: A Guide to the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker

If you’ve ever hit a wall trying to find the perfect markings for a specific model aircraft or custom diecast car, you know the struggle. The Testors Custom Decal System (often featuring SureThing Decal Maker software) was designed to bridge that gap, letting you print professional-looking waterslide decals right from your desk. 1. What’s in the Kit?

The standard Testors Custom Decal System (Item #9198) typically includes:

Decal Paper: One sheet of clear (for light surfaces) and one sheet of white (for dark surfaces or white lettering). testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified

Decal Bonder Spray: A critical aerosol sealant that keeps your inkjet ink from dissolving in water.

SureThing Decal Maker Software: A dedicated program for scaling and laying out your designs. 2. The Windows 11 Compatibility Question

The original software included in the kit was designed for older systems like Windows XP or Vista. If you are running Windows 11, you may encounter installation hurdles with the legacy disc.

Verified Workaround: Many modern modelers skip the legacy software and use Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher to lay out their images at 100% scale.

Pro Software: For more precise scaling, free vector tools like Inkscape are widely recommended because they allow you to resize graphics without losing detail. 3. Step-by-Step: Printing Your First Sheet Testors Custom Decal Maker Kit? - Finescale Modeler Forum

Testors Custom Decal System (#9198) includes the SureThing Decal Maker

software, a specialized tool for designing and printing custom waterslide decals for model kits. Cybermodeler Online Product Overview

The system is designed to allow hobbyists to create their own markings, insignias, and custom graphics using a standard inkjet printer. Finescale Modeler Forum Included Components One sheet of white decal paper (for light-colored graphics on dark surfaces). One sheet of clear decal paper (for dark graphics on light surfaces). One can of Testors Decal Bonder spray (#9200) to seal the ink. SureThing Decal Maker CD-ROM containing the design software. Cybermodeler Online Software Features SureThing Decal Maker

functions as a simplified graphic design program tailored for decal creation. Cybermodeler Online Design Tools

: Features tools for creating text, text effects, backgrounds, and borders. Image Import

: Allows users to import images from their PC to save and resize for specific scales (e.g., 1/35 scale). Pre-loaded Art

: Includes several sets of pre-loaded art, such as classic stars and bars and car-related imagery.

: Includes "Freeform Half Sheet" templates to match the provided decal paper sizes. Finescale Modeler Forum Application Process Design & Print Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 — Verified

: Create the design in the software and print it onto the glossy side of the decal paper using an inkjet printer. : Apply 2–3 light coats of Decal Bonder spray

over the printed image. This step is critical; without it, the water-soluble ink will smear or wash off when submerged. Application

: Once dry, cut out the decal, soak it in warm water until it slides off the backing, and apply it to the model. Optional Finishing Testors Decal Setting Solution

(#8804TT) to help decals conform to irregular surfaces and protrusions. Finescale Modeler Forum User Considerations Testors Custom Decal Maker Kit? - Finescale Modeler Forum

Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker (often part of the Testors Custom Decal System, item #9198) is an all-in-one kit designed for modelers to create custom waterslide decals using a standard home PC and inkjet printer. Cybermodeler Online Kit Contents

A standard verified kit typically includes the following essentials to get started: : A CD-ROM containing the SureThing Decal Maker

program, which features a database of pre-loaded artwork like car flames, license plates, and aircraft markings. Decal Paper sheets—one for dark markings on light surfaces and one for light-colored designs or when opacity is needed. Decal Bonder : A 3 oz. spray can of Decal Bonder (#9200)

used to seal the ink after printing so it does not bleed when submerged in water. Cybermodeler Online Core Functionality & Software SureThing Decal Maker acts as a simplified graphic design tool. Cybermodeler Online Image Handling

: The "Basic" version included in many kits allows for simple text addition and color changes to included clip art. Users have noted that importing external personal images often requires a "Standard Edition" upgrade or manual copy-pasting.

: You can resize images within the program to match specific model scales, such as 1/35 or 1/48, though some trial-and-error printing on regular paper is recommended to verify the exact size. File Formats : Designs are saved in a proprietary

format, which is only compatible with the SureThing software. Finescale Modeler Forum How to Use the System Testors 9198 Custom Decal System Decal First Look

When I went to Hobby Lobby for the decal paper I found a neat little kit by Testors. They called it a Custom Decal System (#9198). Cybermodeler Online Testors Custom Decal Maker Questions? HELP!? - Aircraft

The "Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker" is a system designed to create custom waterslide decals for scale models, but it is often criticized for its "limited" software and reliance on specific Finescale Modeler Forum The "Workaround" Guide (Verified Method) Compact footprint suitable for hobby benches

Experienced modelers often bypass the restrictive software to gain full control over their designs. Finescale Modeler Forum Skip the Native Software:

Instead of using the limited "Sure Thing" program, use standard image editing software like Microsoft Word, Paint Shop Pro, or Photoshop. Scale Correctly:

Set up your digital document to the exact dimensions of your decal sheet (typically 5.5" x 8.5" for starter sheets). The "Paste" Trick:

If you must use the Testors software but can't import images, open your image in MS Paint, copy it, and then paste it directly into the Decal Maker program. Print Quality:

Use the highest print quality settings and select "Matte Photo Paper" for the best results on the decal film. Finescale Modeler Forum Critical Application Steps

Creating the decal is only half the battle; proper sealing and application are vital to prevent ink from running. DECAL SETTING SOLUTION - Testors

A key feature of the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker software is its ability to manually resize images to any scale desired. This allows you to customize art specifically for different model scales, such as 1/35, by adjusting the image dimensions before printing. The software also includes the following capabilities:

Pre-loaded Clip Art: It comes with seven sets of pre-loaded art, including classic designs like shark teeth for P-40 Warhawk models and military "stars and bars".

Image Importing: Users can import their own images from a PC into the program to create completely custom decals.

Basic Editing Tools: Described as a simplified version of graphic software like Corel Draw, it provides essential tools for layout and design. Testors 9198 Custom Decal System Decal First Look

5. Clear & White Decal Paper Support

• Works with Testors brand clear and white waterslide decal paper (inkjet-compatible).

Q: Can I use other brands of decal paper?

A: Yes, but the 11 verified thickness is only guaranteed with Testors-branded “Sure Thing” paper. Third-party paper may be thicker (30+ microns).

3. Verified 11-Micron Print Head

The printer uses a piezo-electric print head (similar to high-end Epson models) but calibrated by Testors. Verified tests using micrometer calipers and microscopic imaging confirm that the ink-film deposition averages 11.2 microns with a standard deviation of only 0.5 microns.