Stencil decals or stencil stencil?
 

I'm finishing a model with a semi-military look.

I want the rocket name to be spelled out in "stencil" font, either military stencil or the classic serif stencil font.

I see lots of stencils for sale on the net, but they're much too large. I think 1/2" letters would be plenty big.

So.

I figure I can either hunt up a 1/2" stencil and spray paint the name on, or have someone make vinyl stick-ons letters.

Any thoughts?

FYI, the rocket is named "Blackbird." I'll also need the digits "51" :-)

A couple of ideas:

1) a decal of stenciled text, particularly using the typeset that is commonly used by the US military, should not be very hard at all to create, especially if you are not trying to exactly match a block of text seen on a prototype. You can probably find and download a free stencil typeset off the web and then simply type up the text you want on your computer and make your own decal. (Try here and here and here and here and here and here, for starters. :D ) If you can't locate a free typeset to download, send me a PM.

2) you can also buy sheets of dry transfer lettering that are in a variety of stencil styles at Michaels, Staples, or other stores that sell art and drafting supplies. I have no experience with using DT lettering on rockets, but at the very least, you'll have to coat them with something like Testor's Dullcoat or something to keep them from wearing off. OTOH, partially worn off lettering might give your model a more realistic look. ;)

Hope this helps.

Mark \\.

What color?

Rocket is satin black, with a coat of matte coat. I'm thinking stark white lettering.

I'm going to take it home over the weekend and put blocks of paper of various size over the area where I plan on putting the lettering. This will help me decide what size to get.

I've made simple black decals plenty of times, using transparent stickers and a laser printer. But white is a tricky color, so I'm looking for alternatives.

White... ooh. Tricky.

You might consider printing them in outline form on white label paper, then cutting them with a sharp #11 blade.

Dang that sounds like a lot of work, though. The dry-rub decals are probably a better idea.

I htink if you can find an ok font on dry transfer lettering, then that's a great way to go with White, I've done that myself (rub on lettering ) and works fine for small birds.

Micheals or similar, should have rub ons in white, for scrapbooking,etc... maybe even in 'stencil font'

will check it out if donw that way later this week .

~ AL

Maybe this would work for you:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/api/api21-1601.htm

That's very intersting, STRman! I wonder what size "small" is, though? I guess I could look up the manufacturer.

I have a Micheal's coulpon . . . I'll check them out tomorrow. Nice to have one on the way home from work!

I'll make you a decal, but that model needs to be nice and glossy where the decals will be applied.

Yeah, if you are doing a flat black rocket, you need flat white for the lettering; a real stencil would be the way to go.

Still sounds like a lot of work.