The product naming created a great deal of confusion. The kit most people bought was the , which ironically only included the limited "Basic" software edition. Users discovered that the more capable software version was sold separately on the decalgear.com website and was called "Sure Thing Decal Maker-Standard Edition." One frustrated modeler perfectly summarized the situation: "Go figure they had it backwards".
Once cured, applying custom decals uses the same mechanics as premium aftermarket options:
While designed for older Windows, many users have successfully run Sure Thing on Windows 10/11 using "Compatibility Mode." testors sure thing decal maker 11 verified
For those who do get their hands on an original Testors Custom Decal System kit, treat it as a piece of hobby history. The Sure Thing Decal Maker was a stepping stone, not a destination. Today, the power to create beautiful, durable, custom decals is greater than ever — and you do not need an outdated CD‑ROM to unlock it.
Whether you are trying to revive an older version of this vintage software, searching for a , or looking for a modern workflow to print your own graphics, understanding how this system functions is essential for high-quality results. What Was the Testors SureThing Decal Maker? The product naming created a great deal of confusion
Typically includes sheets of both clear and white backing paper.
The Testors Sure Thing Decal Maker was a product of its time — a bold attempt to bring custom decal printing into the average hobbyist’s home workshop. It succeeded in lowering the barrier to entry and introduced countless modelers to the possibilities of self‑made markings. However, the limited software, the hidden upgrade requirement, the fragile decals, and the odd paper size meant that the product never quite lived up to its promise. Once cured, applying custom decals uses the same
For many hobbyists, the simplest solution is to stop trying to make decals at all. Companies like produce thousands of high‑quality water‑slide decals covering virtually every scale and subject imaginable. While more expensive than printing your own, these decals are durable, perfectly opaque, and save hours of experimentation.
Run a nozzle check. Verified users report doing this before every decal session to maintain 11-micron accuracy.
: A simplified design tool on CD-ROM that provided templates for decals.