Tech Olive

As promised, here is the tutorial for making your very own decals for application on your computer, laptop, keyboard, or younger sibling.

First and foremost, you’ll need a design on which to base your decal. If you’re artistically inclined, you may be able to free-hand one of your own designs. This is not the case for me, I can never seem to free-hand anything and have it come out looking good. So, for the purposes of this tutorial, I will be using the following image as the template for this tutorial (Click image for full-size):

(Art is not mine, found in Google image search, credit goes to original artist, who’s name is unknown.)

To make it easiest on yourself, be sure to search for black and white vector-art. The reason I go with black and white is because the black backgrounds blend into the black finish on my PC case perfectly without needing to trim it closely to the white in the decal. The same can go for white, just invert the image so that you have your white background and it will blend nicely with your case’s finish. If you want to add some color to your decal, you can use different colored permanent markers. Now onto what tools and supplies you will need for this project.

1- Fine-point, black permanent marker.
For coloring large areas. Duh.

2- Ultra fine-point black permanent marker.
For borders and other details.

3- True black ink pen (Not required).
For even smaller details, and also because most “black” permanent markers are not actually black, this helps in giving your decal a nice (true) black and glossy finish.

4- Scissors
For cutting stuff into smaller stuff.

5- Label/decal paper.
This is the canvas on which you will be putting your ink.

6- Masking/painter’s tape.
The adhesive on the “sticky” side of tape is great for forcing things adhere to another surface. And perfect for later removal without any residue.

7- A bright, portable light-source.
For brightly illuminating things that are also portable.

8- Plexiglas, or sheet of clear acrylic.
A hard surface behind which your light source is positioned, henceforth providing an optimal tracing environment.

So, now that you have all your stuff, you’re ready to start. First what you need to do is print your template out and tape it to your clear surface of choice (#8 in list of requirements).

Then, tape your label/decal (#5) over that and it should look like this, when illuminated from behind:

Now that you have your decal paper restrained to your template, atop your clear tracing surface, it is time to attack said decal with your choice of permanent markers. Take your time here, because this is where it counts. Be sure to keep your hands away from any freshly drawn areas as the ink can smear or rub onto your hands, usually resulting in a ruined sticker.

Slowly draw your outlines with the ultra-fine marker (#2) and your good pen (#3), then filling the larger areas with the fine-tip marker (#1). You may want to go over the entire decal again with your black ink pen because, as mentioned before, most black permanent markers will leave a dark almost purple color rather then a proper black, by covering it with the ink pen, you’ll have a stronger black and a glossier finish that is more likely to match your computer’s case finish. Make sure to take a break to look and make sure you’re still following the template properly. That’s pretty much it, after 15-45 minutes (depending on the size and complexity of the design) you’ll have a finished decal for application to whatever you see fit.

The Reaper proudly wearing her newest decal.