Bringing Custom Builds to Life: A Guide to the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker
Registration marks print off-center. Fix: Ensure you are using the “11 Verified” paper profile. Generic paper changes the feed rate.
The , which is what hobbyists almost always mean when they refer to the Testors “Sure Thing Decal Maker,” was a complete do‑it‑yourself decal creation kit. Inside the box you would find:
: Click Finish to display the blank workspace surrounded by its distinctive blue border.
The Testors Custom Decal System (often associated with kits #9198, #9201, #9202) is designed for crafters and modelers who want to print their own graphics at home. It traditionally includes: Decal paper (Clear or White). Decal bonder spray (to seal the ink). testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified
Another modeler who used the system to create decals for a 1/35 scale armor project noted:
| Test | Result | Verified? | |------|--------|------------| | Solid color density | [Good/faded/uneven] | Yes/No | | Fine lines (1 pt) | [Crisp/blurred] | Yes/No | | White decals on clear paper | [Not possible – requires white ink] | Yes | | Transparency of clear areas | [Fully transparent/milky] | Yes |
: Whenever possible, use vector shapes and fonts within the program. Vector graphics can be scaled down to fit a 1/72 scale cockpit or scaled up for a 1/24 scale car hood without losing sharpness.
Once cured, applying custom decals uses the same mechanics as premium aftermarket options: Bringing Custom Builds to Life: A Guide to
Most standard desktop printers output decals at 50 to 100 microns, leading to thick, visible edges after application. The Testors system, verified by independent modeling forums, achieves a consistent . Here is why that is a game-changer:
| Feature | Testors Sure Thing 11 Verified | Standard Inkjet + Decal Paper | ALPS MD-5000 (Discontinued) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Prints White Ink | Yes (dedicated cartridge) | No | Yes | | Average Film Thickness | 11 microns (verified) | 40–80 microns | 15–20 microns | | Software Ease | Beginner-friendly | DIY (Photoshop/Word) | Complex | | Ongoing Cost | Medium | Low | N/A (No support) | | Availability | In stock (2025) | Universal | Used only |
Its key components are:
: Always select High or Best quality. Avoid "Draft" or "Normal" modes, which can cause banding lines across your custom graphics. The , which is what hobbyists almost always
Many modelers felt this was a bait‑and‑switch. The external packaging made no mention of the software being a limited or “Basic” edition, and the upgrade path seemed designed to extract more money after the initial purchase. One reviewer on Cybermodeler complained that the box did not indicate the CD was a limited version anywhere in the English or French text, calling the omission “a bit shady on the part of Testors”.
Alternative Note: If the legacy edition crashes due to modern graphics engines, builders can bypass it entirely by using alternative image suites like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or SureThing Office Labeler configured to custom half-sheet dimensions (5.5" x 8.5"). Design Best Practices in Decal Maker
The decal paper in the kit is often rolled. To prevent printer jams, place it under a heavy book for several hours or overnight to flatten it completely. Insert a single sheet at a time into your printer's paper tray with the shiny side up , as this is the printable surface.