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).
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
The basement of the River City Hobby Shop smelled permanently of dust, old pine shelving, and the sharp, chemical tang of enamel paint. For Peter, it was the best smell in the world.
He was staring at the crown jewel of his collection—a 1/48 scale model of the P-51D Mustang, "Old Crow." The aluminum finish was flawless, the panel lines washed to perfection. There was only one problem. The kit’s original water-slide decals had yellowed with age. If he put them on, they would look like nicotine stains on a pristine aircraft.
"You're overthinking it," said a voice from the end of the aisle.
It was Silas, the store’s owner and a man who claimed to have built models for the actual Apollo missions (a claim Peter suspected was false, but never challenged). Silas was holding a small, red box with a yellow label.
"Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker," Silas said, placing the box on the counter. "Specifically, the Mark 11."
Peter squinted at the box. "I’ve seen the old ones. The ones that jam and make a mess. I thought this line was discontinued."
"This is the 'Verified' edition," Silas said, tapping the box with a gnarled finger. "Found it in the back inventory. It’s the holy grail of aftermarket decal printing. Listen to me, Peter. In this hobby, there are two types of builders. Those who guess, and those who know. This box? It’s verified." testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified
Peter was skeptical. He had fought with decal paper and inkjet printers before. The ink would run, the film would silver, or the printer would decide to eat the thick paper. But Silas had that look in his eye—the look of a man who had just found a forgotten bottle of rare whiskey.
"Forty bucks," Silas said. "Take it home. If it doesn't work, bring it back. But I’m telling you, the '11 Verified' doesn't lie."
Peter bought the box.
Back in his workshop, the overhead fluorescent lights hummed as Peter unboxed the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11. It looked deceptively simple. A small applicator bottle, a spray can of fixative, and several sheets of blank decal film. The instructions were printed in that classic, slightly blurry Testors font.
The goal was simple: Peter had found a high-resolution scan of the actual "Old Crow" nose art online. He needed to print it, seal it, and apply it without ruining six months of work.
He loaded the clear decal film into his inkjet printer. His hands shook slightly. This was the moment of truth. He hit 'Print.'
The printer whirred. It didn't jam. The sheet slid out. The colors were vibrant, sharp. No bleeding.
"Step one," Peter muttered. "Verified."
Now came the scary part. The Testors system relied on a specific chemical reaction. You had to spray the printed sheet with the included 'Decal Bonder' spray. Too little, and the ink would wash away when you dipped it in water. Too much, and the decal would become a thick, plastic shell that wouldn't settle into the panel lines.
Peter took the can of bonder. The nozzle was clogged. He popped it off, cleared it with a pin, and sprayed a light, even coat. He waited ten minutes. Another coat. The smell of aerosol lacquer filled the small room.
He cut out the nose art rectangle. He dipped it in warm water. The backing paper slid away effortlessly, leaving a durable, thin film of ink suspended on his fingertip.
It was remarkably strong. Usually, homemade decals tore if you looked at them wrong. This felt like a professional wet-transfer.
He slide the decal onto the Mustang’s fuselage. It floated on the surface. Using a cotton swab, he gently rolled out the excess water. The decal snapped down, conforming to the rivets and panel lines. There was no silvering, no bubbling.
Peter stepped back, exhaling a breath he didn't realize he’d been holding. The nose art was perfect. The reds were deep, the whites opaque. It looked painted on.
He reached for the box to put it away. On the side, usually hidden by the shelf wear, was a small, gold sticker. It read: Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 - Verified Quality Assured. Bringing Custom Builds to Life: A Guide to
Peter smiled. Silas was right. In a world of fits and starts, where models could be ruined by a drop of glue or a shaky hand, the "Sure Thing" had lived up to its name. The 11 was verified. And Peter’s Mustang was finally ready to fly.
The Evolution of Custom Model Detailing: The Testors Decal System
For scale model enthusiasts, the ability to move beyond standard out-of-the-box markings represents a significant milestone in the hobby. The Testors Custom Decal Maker , often bundled with SureThing Decal Maker
software, served as a foundational tool for this transition, allowing hobbyists to design and print professional-grade waterslide decals from a home office. The Software Foundation At the heart of the system is the SureThing Decal Maker software. Designed for simplicity, the program features a New Project Wizard
that provides templates like the "Freeform Half Sheet" to match standard decal paper sizes. Users can: Design and Layout
: Utilize circular text tools to follow the contours of curved surfaces or 3D text effects for added depth. Import Custom Graphics
: While the standard version has some limitations, users can import their own images (JPEG, GIF, or TIFF) to create highly specific squadron insignia or racing liveries. Scale Adjustments
: The software allows for precise resizing, crucial for maintaining accuracy across different scales such as 1/35 or 1/48. The Printing and Preparation Process The physical component of the system relies on specialized Testors Decal Paper
, available in both clear and white backgrounds. Clear paper is ideal for dark lettering on light-colored models, while white paper is necessary for any design containing white or light colors, as standard inkjet printers cannot print white ink. Making Decals - Finescale Modeler Forum
| 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 |
Yes – for serious hobbyists. The 11 verified rating is not marketing fluff. Real-world tests prove this machine produces decals that rival commercial Cartograf or Microscale products. The ability to print white ink at an 11-micron thickness removes the two biggest barriers to home decal making: visible edges and missing white elements.
If you have been frustrated by peeling, silvering, or thick decals from generic systems, the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 Verified is a significant upgrade. While the cost is higher than a DIY inkjet kit, the time saved and quality gained make it a worthwhile investment for any modeler who values professional results.
Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (Verified by 11-point user consensus)
This article was updated in 2025 to reflect the latest firmware updates and user-verified performance data for the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 Verified system.
The Testors Custom Decal System (item #9198) is a long-running hobbyist kit designed to let modelers create custom water-slide decals using standard home printers. While the kit's physical components—the decal paper and bonder spray—are widely used, the included "SureThing Decal Maker" software often serves as an introductory or "basic" version of a more robust design platform. The SureThing Decal Maker Software No separate software or complex drivers required –
The software included in the Testors kit is a specialized version of the industry-leading SureThing Disc Labeler. For modelers, this tool acts as a simple graphic design interface similar to a basic version of MS Paint or Corel Draw. Key Features:
Pre-loaded Graphics: Includes art sets like classic "stars and bars," shark teeth for P-40 Warhawk models, and other common scale model insignias.
Scaling & Resizing: Unlike standard document editors, it is built to handle the precise measurements required for 1/35, 1/48, or other hobby scales.
Text Effects: Supports circular text, shadows, and 3D effects to match curved surfaces like aircraft fuselages.
Limitations: Many users find the version included in the box to be "basic," often requiring a paid upgrade to the Standard or Deluxe editions to unlock advanced features like importing custom high-resolution images or accessing a larger library of over 5,000 background images. How the Testors Decal System Works
Creating "verified" custom decals involves a specific four-step process to ensure the ink does not run when it hits water: Making your own decals. - Finescale Modeler Forum
The Testors Custom Decal System (often associated with SureThing Decal Maker software) is a specialized kit designed for modelers to create their own custom water-slide decals using home inkjet or laser printers. While it offers a low barrier to entry for custom detailing, users frequently encounter software limitations and technical hurdles with ink preservation. Core Components
Decal Paper: Typically includes both clear and white 5.5” x 8.5” sheets.
Decal Bonder Spray: A necessary sealant used to prevent water-soluble printer ink from running when the decal is submerged.
SureThing Decal Maker Software: A basic design program with pre-loaded hobbyist clip art (e.g., shark teeth, military insignia). Performance Review Pros
Customization: Allows for the creation of unique markings that are unavailable in commercial decal sets.
Scale Flexibility: The software allows for resizing designs to fit specific scales, such as 1/35 or 1/48.
Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than buying multiple specialized aftermarket decal sheets if you only need small custom logos. Cons
Software Limitations: The included version is often a "standard" or basic edition; importing custom images sometimes requires a paid upgrade, leading many users to bypass it for Microsoft Word or Paint Shop Pro.
Technical Learning Curve: Getting the ink to stay put requires precise "Premium Glossy" printer settings and very light, multiple coats of the bonder spray.
Transparency Issues: Standard printers cannot print white ink. Clear decal paper is highly transparent, meaning light colors may disappear when applied over dark paint. Tips for Success DECAL SETTING SOLUTION - Testors
Testors includes a simple, stripped-down design software (compatible with Windows 10/11 and MacOS). It features:
