Custom rub-down transfers have been used for scale model replicas for many years. Originally known as Letraset® they are also known as Chromatecs, custom rub-on transfers, or dry transfers. A color rub-on transfer is an image produced with a special ink that is applied to the release film substrate that can be rubbed onto any smooth model surface.
Great for scale models like replica boats, airplanes, and HO scale model trains.
Classic Yacht Models had a customer who wanted to build a model boat as a surprise gift for her husband. Image Transfers created custom dry transfers for their classic model yacht. Here are some pictures of the rubdowns being applied to their scale model boat. Here’s their original story.
The original boat is a custom-built Swan 60 with an extended transom (now measuring 65’ in length). The owner closely involved in the yacht’s building process in 2002 has since sailed her around the world.
This scale model was built as a replica at 7/16″ scale, measuring 28″ long by 43″ tall with a beam of 7-5/8″.
If you are a yachting enthusiast, you know that choosing a model builder that can meet your expectations is a serious consideration. Classic Yacht Models works closely with clients to identify their needs. For more info, visit their website at: http://www.yachtmodels.com/
Custom Rub-On Transfers for Scale Model Replica WW2 Airplanes
Image Transfers produced custom color dry transfers for Travis Best, of 3D Creative Services for their scale model WWII P51D fighter plane.
After building their scale model of a WWII P51D fighter plane, Dan French wrote to share his good news,
“Luann, Hello, Dan from 3D here. We spoke a LONG time ago about the below-mentioned WWII P51D Mustang Fighter plane called Cripes A’ Mighty 3rd… I know you have been working with Travis on this project and I wanted to let you know that I/we feel you did an amazing job! Thank You! This is a scale model of a WWII P-51D Mustang built for the son of the pilot/owner of this plane; the late Col. Gene Stocker. We paid impeccable attention to detail when replicating his father’s plane. We so respected this project from a patriotic standpoint as well as a sons’ standpoint. So we went the extra mile here. My customer had no idea that we threw in the base with a colleague of old precious photos of his father in and around the plane as well as flying it! We also decided to give him a glass dust cover and then suspend the plane from the case as if it were flying. We gave it retractable landing gear. We paid super close attention to the paint scheme which made it unique from his father’s plane. When I say we paid close attention to detail on the paint scheme, I meant it! You can’t even read the text with the naked eye! But when magnified its as clear and sharp as can be!! There were no stock fonts that we could just purchase and use to replicate the Hand-Painted work done on the plane… and nothing “close enough” would meet our high standards! So we PAINSTAKINGLY hand-crafted all the artwork in scale working from old photos – Thanks!”
Image Transfers are custom dry rub-on transfer specialists. We make only one thing: custom rub down transfers for graphic designers, artists, and model-makers. A dry transfer (or rubdown) is an image printed on a translucent sheet. The image has a coating of adhesive on its back. The image is transferred from the translucent sheet onto another surface by applying light pressure in a rubbing motion. The dry transfer can be applied to any surface that is free of dust, grease or oil. Dry transfers are referred to as DRY because they are applied dry, without the use of water or solvents. A dry transfer is not a slip-off label or a water decal, instead, the transferred image appears as if it was printed directly onto the item. Our dry transfers are opaque because we back the colors with white, so our rubdowns can be applied to a surface of any color without changing the color of the rub-on transfer. We consider dry transfers a semi-permanent application. A top coat of clear lacquer can make them more permanent. Our production artists can match all Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors including Metallic. Standard transfers are semi-gloss but we also offer matte and uncoated finishes. We deliver within as little as 24 hours. -- Specialties: Custom Rub Down Dry Transfers, Art Gallery Signage & Museum Labels, Custom Transfers for Product Prototypes, Comps & Mock-ups, Dry Transfers for Scale Models. Decals for Glass and reversed transfer decals for inside glass cases.
Hi There,
I am inquiring about a set of transfers for a 1:100 scale desk top model. It of a Virgin America A320, N627VA that was painted for a promotional campaign with Victoria’s Secret. A photo is available at Airliners. net. This is for display at the Virgin america Headquarters building in Burlingame, California.
Thanks Much.
Regards,
Don
Don, Thanks for your comment. We can certainly do these transfers for you. Our first question is do you have vector artwork? or do you need us to research this for you and set up art files? We can offer you 3/color transfers to complete the project. I did email you but thought you might be checking our BLOG for a response. Feel free to call the studio at (212) 928-7987 or email us if you want to move forward.
I have a 1/72 scale C-130 that we want to replicate as our C-130 that we presently operate for the National Science Foundation. It has several decals on the outside that we would like you to assist me with making. I can send photographs of the aircraft if you are interested. Please let me know what you will require. Thank you!
Ed
Ed, Sorry for any delay in replying. We would be happy to help you with dry transfers for your C-130. With our process we need vector artwork. If you want to email photos to art@imagetranfsers.com, we can certainly discuss the project further. Pricing is published right on our website. Creating art would be additional.
I’m interested in obtaining a decal that differs slightly from what Tamiya offer for their 1/32 scale P-51D.
The existing decal set has an option for a blonde woman and the name Blondie on the engine cowling. What I’d like to do is replace the name “Blondie” with my wife’s name, “Gina “. Could you give me an estimate on this please? Thanks.
Darrell, All our transfers are custom so we can do anything you need. Pricing is published right on our website and goes by size area. Letter size 1/color are $175.00 each and you can gang-up art to fill the area. Happy to discuss further if you would like to call the studio at (212) 928-7987. Thanks!
I am building a 1:44 scale model of a Washington State ferry. The model is representative of three Jumbo Mark II class ferries.
I am looking for a short run of the Mark ll ferries” names in white for both ends, the Washington State Department of Transportation logo on both sides of the stacks, as well as other generic ship information and warning labels.
Please let me know if your company can provide this service and a general idea of cost of the required decals.
I can provide you with the details and artwork for this project.
Thank you in advance for your assistance for my project.
Respectfully,
Phillip Hoglund
(206)617-3680
hoglundphil48@gmail.com
Phillip, Thanks for your inquiry. We can create a dry transfer from any artwork. Most clients supply artwork and we run the transfer. If you needed us to create art, that would be an additional charge and we would need more details on the project. We have no “off the shelf” transfers. In production we have one production artist working on one transfer until it is completed and packed up for FedEx. Pricing for transfers is published right on our website. Feel free to email more information at art@imagetransfers.com so we can price creating art for you.
I have a 1/87th ho scale
railroad. I would like to make a Texas A&M university train car.
I had one a great number of years ago and wish I had been able to keep it.
Now since I can’t find one, I would like to make one. Can you give me an estimate for decals please?
Davis, Thanks for your inquiry. All of our transfers are custom so I am sure we can accommodate you. Most clients create art and upload directly to our website. Our pricing goes by size area and pricing is published right on our website. If you needed us to create art, we can quote that for you and give you a PDF for approval. Let us know if you have any further questions. Feel free to email us at art@imagetransfers.com or call the studio at (212) 928-7987. Thanks.
Hi,
How durable are the transfers after application. I’m working with HO scale (1:87) model trains and I want to decorate freight cars with detailed full color graphics.
Once applied, will the transfer crack or chip off? Do I need to spray the model with dull coat or some other sealant after the transfer is applied?
Can a custom transfer also have markings on it to help me align the transfer on the model?
thanks
brh
Brian, I am not sure we are the right source for you. Our transfers are usually one or two colors. We don’t run any 4/color process art so we would not be able to produce your full color graphics. If you are looking for one or two color we have pricing published right on our website. Pricing goes by size area so clients usually gang up or repeat artwork to fill the artboard. We recommend after applying the transfer to spray clear lacquer spray if you usage is for a more permanent solution. You might want to view our portfolio page to see the typical project. Please feel free to email us at art@imagetransfers.com or call the studio if you want more information. Thanks for your inquiry.
I am trying to find small lettering usually in the 8, 10, & 12 point size in white and or gold color in the alphabet. I build pre 1800 wooden ship models and need the small lettering for names etc…
Michael, All of our transfers are “custom.” We don’t offer any off the shelf product but can certainly create art that fits whatever you need. Pricing for transfers is published right on our website and goes by “size area.” Creating artwork would be additional. Happy to discuss further if our pricing fits your budget and you want to move forward. Call studio at (212) 928-7987 or email us at art@imagetransfers.com Hope we can work with you.
I would like to have a sheet of black and white nautical stars in 0.5″ and 0.75″ diameters for capstans and bitts for use on tugboat models. The surface would be black enamel. One sheet would be enough for several models.
William, Our transfers are custom so we can create this transfer for you. If you have artwork you just need to drag & drop on our website. Pricing is published there and goes by size area. Letter is our smallest size so you can gang-up/repeat image to fill the artboard. If you need us to create art for you we can do that as well for an additional charge. Feel free to call studio at (212) 928-7987 or email art@imagetransfers.com if you want more info or to move forward.