I am trying to print up some custom decals using what I thought was high quality decal paper with a laser printer to complement a set of Microscale decals. The problem is that when I apply the yellow decals to a dark blue surface, the decals almost disappear. Is it the printer, decal paper or both? If anyone has any recommendations, it would be appreciated. There are only a couple decals that I need to make, so it is probably too small for a professional custom job. Thank you.
-Ed Abbot
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Since you are going light over dark, print multiple sets. Overlay the decals until you get the yellow you want. JohnA
The only way I know of to do this is to print on white (not clear) decal paper and then cut out your design.
You have to pre-paint the decal area a light or white color. Also have to adjust - darken the decal color to match the area. May take 3 or 4 attempts until it blends with the car.
D.Y.I. decals will never match the quality of Microscale's plus there is no WHITE INK for the average home printers. 
White decal paper would work better, I guess?
To simplify your solution contact Ricky Rupp at Modern Rails Decals. It should cost even less if you have camera ready artwork. Yes, he prints white decals.
If you had the correct printer and wanted to invest a few hundred dollars, you could pick up a Ghost White Toner cartridge. Micro-Mark sells two versions and lists the printers they are compatible with.
Try joining the Alps Group. alps@alps.groups.io Many decal makers on the alps printer forum. j
Having done this exact scenario, white decal paper is the way to go. Print your decal, PRECISELY trim it, and then apply like normal. Worked well for me many times.
https://ogrforum.com/...lp-finding-lettering
I posted this topic some time ago and found it very helpful.
Great info !!!
Thanks to all posters !!!
I appreciate all of the responses. Very helpful. It turns out that I will need to outsource this endeavor because some of the decals will be far too small to cut. I do appreciate feedback on Alps printers.
-Ed Abbot
Then definitely get a quote from Ricky Rupp at Modern Rails Decals. He uses Alps printers. Here's one of many that he's done for me.
The Alps printer can print white, then overlay with yellow. Yellow simply cannot be applied over dark colors.
My other hobby is antique aircraft. In order to paint a Piper Cub yellow, you either spray white first, then yellow, or six coats of yellow. The latter still looks muddy.
Union Pacific Diesel models must have white primer first. Even light grey is not good enough.
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