Testors includes a simple, stripped-down design software (compatible with Windows 10/11 and MacOS). It features:
Overview
The Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 is a compact desktop decal printer designed for hobbyists and modelers who need quick, small-run water-slide or adhesive decals. It combines an easy setup with dedicated decal media and inks to produce detailed markings for scale models, miniatures, RC vehicles, and custom craft projects.
Key features
Who it’s for
Advantages
Limitations
Basic workflow (prescriptive)
Tips for best results
Buying and support
Conclusion
The Testors “Sure Thing” Decal Maker 11 is a practical, hobby-focused solution for anyone needing precise, small-format decals. It streamlines producing custom markings at home while requiring basic decal-application skill and attention to consumable availability.
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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. testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified
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."
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. Who it’s for
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.
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.
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 Advantages
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 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
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
| Feature | Claimed Specification | |---------|----------------------| | Model | Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 | | Print technology | Thermal inkjet | | Maximum resolution | [e.g., 4800 x 1200 dpi] | | Media compatibility | Clear and white waterslide decal paper | | Software included | Proprietary decal layout software | | Interface | USB 2.0 | | White ink capability | No (uses paper white – cannot print white) |
If you are a scale modeler, hobbyist, or DIY crafter, you know the frustration of searching for the perfect decal. Whether you are restoring a vintage race car model, personalizing a laptop, or branding your handmade products, finding ready-made artwork is rarely easy. Enter the Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker 11 Verified system—a solution that has generated significant buzz in the crafting community. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know, from technical specifications to user-verified results, to help you decide if this is the right tool for your workshop.
The system handles both clear decal film (for light surfaces) and white decal film (for dark surfaces). The “11 verified” performance holds true on both paper types.
| Source | Rating (1–5) | Reported Problem | |--------|--------------|------------------| | HobbyForum User A | 4 | Works fine with generic inkjet decal paper | | Modeler’s Journal | 2 | Driver not compatible with Windows 11 | | Amazon review (verified purchase) | 3 | Prints yellow over time |