Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 Verified Jun 2026

Whether you are restoring a vintage Spitfire plane model , adding intricate custom text to model trains, or detailing a 1/25th scale RC car, mastering this decal system bridges the gap between commercial availability and absolute creative freedom. 1. What is the Testors SureThing Decal Maker System? The Testors 9198 Custom Decal System

Essential for dark surfaces. Because printers do not print white ink, you must use white paper, and you must cut exactly along the edge of your design. 4. Improving Adhesion

: A specialized aerosol spray designed to seal fresh printer ink against water degradation.

: Always select High or Best quality. Avoid "Draft" or "Normal" modes, which can cause banding lines across your custom graphics.

: Allows users to import images from their PC to save and resize for specific scales (e.g., 1/35 scale). Pre-loaded Art testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified

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”.

, 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

The clarity and color rendering of your finished model depend entirely on matching your graphic to the right paper type: Making your own decals. - Finescale Modeler Forum

Basic workflow (prescriptive)

Inkjet ink is water-soluble. If you plunge an unsealed inkjet decal directly into water, the ink will dissolve instantly. Sealing your print is mandatory.

: Under the Compatibility tab, check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose Windows XP (Service Pack 3) .

The heart of the Testors system was the Sure Thing Decal Maker software. Described as "a kind of fancy version of MS Paint or a simple version of Corel Draw," the CD came pre-loaded with a small but curated collection of art. For an aviation modeler, it included classic nose art like shark teeth for a P-40 Warhawk. For the car crowd, there were flame jobs and license plates ready to print.

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 Whether you are restoring a vintage Spitfire plane

For model builders, RC enthusiasts, and hobbyists, custom decals are the final touch that transforms a good project into a masterpiece. While aftermarket decal sheets are readily available, they often lack the specificity needed for unique designs. This is where the (often associated with the Testors 9198 Custom Decal System) comes into play.

: A basic design program with pre-loaded hobbyist clip art (e.g., shark teeth, military insignia). Performance Review Pros

: Before using your premium Testors decal sheets, print your design on a standard sheet of plain paper. Hold it up to your model to verify that the scaling, dimensions, and sizing are exactly correct. 3. Curing and Sealing (The Critical Step)

: Some users bypass the software's basic limitations by designing in programs like Microsoft Word, Photoshop, or GIMP, then copy-pasting the final design into the SureThing template for printing. System Requirements The Testors 9198 Custom Decal System Essential for

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