Is there a way to print out your own graphics, on a computer, and apply them to you plane?

Thanks

Sure, just print them out onto waterslide decal paper, dip them in water, slide them onto the plane, and fuel proof them. However, if you use ordinary inkjet printer, then the ink tends to fade over time unless you protect the decals with a coat of UV protectant. It is best to use a "dye sublimination" printer to print out graphics on decal papers made for laser printers.

I created the shark mouth and wheel covers on my P-40 in Adobe Photoshop and printed them out on decal paper:

Thanks. Could I use 303 Protectant and then spray over it with some Poly Clear or Sat?

I don't have any experience with 303, but the art stores usually sell UV protectant for paintings that you could use.

If you use an inkjet printer, then you need to spray the decals with 2-3 coats of Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear to seal in the ink and then a coat of UV protectant and let the decals dry before dipping them in water. Then you would spray a coat of poly clear over the decals after they have been applied to the model.

For more details, [link=http://www.waterslide-decals.com/inkjet_instructions.html]Click Here[/link] and also [link=http://www.kustomrides.com/decalinstructions.htm]Click Here[/link].

If you want some long lasting decals, create the images you want and have them printed and cut by a professional sign shop. If the image is ready to print and cut, the charge is usually very reasonable. To make sure it is a format they can use, check with the shop prior to creating the art work. If it can be created with a couple of layers of single colored vinyl instead of printed, the cost will be even less.

My wife has a small, part-time shop and has done some for for my heli that look great and seem to be holding up fine.