About & FAQ
About Us
Above and Below Scale Graphics Ltd. is a veteran owned small home based e-commerce business based out of Victoria British Columbia Canada, and ships *almost* worldwide. We have been in operation since October 2021.
We specialize in creating and printing scale markings to faithfully and accurately represent current and historical aircraft used by the RCAF, RCN, RCMP, Coast Guard and other Canadian government agencies. Through requests we have also branched into creating markings for Navy and Coast Guard ships, as well as the occasional armored vehicle.
Andrew F. CD, MStJ
Lead Technician
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do you do civilian airliners too?
No, if that is what you are looking for, please visit Ben at V1 Decals. He is the expert in that field. He is a great guy and I don't want to steal clients from him. He has an extensive catalogue and I personally use his products when I am doing a civilian model because they are amazing.
What options do you offer for personalization or customization?
We will gladly change the serial number, registration, or pilot name plate; in an existing design at no cost.
Do you have a discount for service members?
Yes, for current and retired CAF, CCG, RCMP, LEO, Fire/Rescue, and Paramedics; email me for details.
Are you willing to do custom projects.
Depending on the nature of the request maybe. Send us an email and we can discuss it.
Can you print sizes other than the ones you have on the site.
Yes, send us an email and we can discuss what you want. The sizes advertised are simply the most requested ones. For the really big scales we can refer you to Bill over at CanMilAir who still works with vinyl up to 1/1 scale.
How is printing different from screen-printing?
In silk screening each colour paint has its own screen and applied independently in layers to make up the design.
Printing uses a specialized laser printer which has five toners – CWMK+W: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, ‘Key’ Black plus White. All colours created are some combination of those five and not likely a single colour. White may also be printed as an underlay or spot-colour as circumstances require. This technology has been used for close to twenty-years in the professional printing industry and as well as in model railroad and rocketry community.
Is this the same as the old Alps Micro-Dry systems?
The Alps Micro Dry printers used a wax resin on a cassette that was transferred to the paper using a heat process. One colour cassette would print at a time and the page would be retained in between runs while the printer changed cassettes. This would occasionally result in registry errors if the page shifted.
We are using a professional series five-colour LED printer. The process it uses is similar to that used by a conventional office laser printer but it offers much higher print resolutions, and can print white or clear. This is currently the only machine on the market that can print a a white under a coloured overlay in a single pass. The results are pretty astounding, and don't really compare to the Alps beyond that both machines can print white.
Are there any special steps you need to work with printed decals?
The paper uses a clear continuous film so will need to cut out each element as close to the design as possible. It is also recommended you use a solvent and setting solution help seat the decal, but that is considered standard practice for decals in general.
COMMON ISSUES
Why isn't my address accepted?
The shipping software we use vettes address based on information in Google Maps. Enter your shipping address into Google Maps and copy the result into the address bar.
Why do you need my phone number?
I don't - Customs Agencies do, particularly if you live in the US or UK.
Why does it cost so much to ship?
Due to a large number of lost / stolen mail all orders now require tracking and will be shipped by Registered Mail or Parcel as appropriate. (Canada does not have a 'small packet service')
Shipping rates are set by Canada Post and are often cost prohibitive for small orders. All complaints to that effect, should be directed toward your member of parliament and/or the Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
Can you alter the customs information?
Our shipping prices DO NOT include import fees, tariffs, duties, or taxes. These are the buyer's responsibility and we will not be held responsible. We recommend inquiring with your respective country's customs department about these additional fees before buying.
We are unable to falsify customs documentation - That is fraud.