Enclosure Labeling - what do you use?

[Lonzo]

Hi everyone

I'm struggling with labeling for my pedals and would like to solicit your (collective) input on how to label my enclosures.  I've asked about polishing enclosures in the past and received some fantastic responses (Thanks!!)  Now. I'm going back to the well for some more advice. 

I tried an iron transfer method that failed miserably...i.e., what do you use to "mirror" your artwork?

Any help is certainly appreciated.  Thank you for your knowledge and experience.

Lonzo

[DavidS]

Well, if your artwork is on the computer, any image editing software under the sun can mirror an image.

I use  the Gimp, http://www.gimp.org, which is not only awesome, but free.

[stm]

You can always resort to the "freehand drawing" method.  Just pick an indelible pen and practice the lettering you want to add on a piece of paper until you decide which style of writing you like, the just write on the box freely.  The key is not trying to make it look like it was computer or printer made.  Then some clear laquer might finish the job.

Take a look at some examples here:

http://antelopefx.thisalso.com/

http://www.custom-sounds.se/static/en/228/

Regards.

[nelson]

A new thing I have been trying is a twist on the etching of enclosures becoming popular around here. I tried it a couple of times, with ferric chloride and was turned off by the horrible gases released and immense clean up required. I mean, pedals are a labour of love, but I felt like a prostitute.

So, liking the etched look but not willing to suffer the drawbacks of the process I decided to splash out on a dremel. It has handy engraving attachments. Again as STM said practice, in this case on some scrap aluminium get an engraving style you like. Engrave away.

I am still experimenting, but I like the way its turning out so far, ofcourse you cant just rub out your mistakes and start again, but it adds a personal touch and is permanent. The finish will probably outlast me.

I am going to experiment further, painting and sanding within the engraved lettering. Although even a natural sanded finish on a hammond is cool, the hand engraved labelling has an almost holographic quality, because it isnt discoloured by the etchant but shiny aluminium.

I will post some decent pics when my new digi-cam arrives. 

[Melanhead]

I tried an iron transfer method that failed miserably...i.e., what do you use to "mirror" your artwork?

Avery dark T-shirt transfers, no mirroring required ... or photo paper and glue ( 3M spray ) the image to the top.

Both these ways have worked great for me ...

[gez]

http://www.elixant.com/~stompbox/smfforum/index.php?topic=35648.msg251051#msg251051

[wampcat1]

We buy labels from Fastsigns.com, they are a transparent sticker that goes on easily, doesn't bubble, and lasts a very long time! I think they cost me about $1 each or so.

Hope that helps!

[rikiguitar]

I use handmade system.
i use a colored acrylic spray to color the enclosure
after i use indelible colored pens.
you can also use transparent adesive paper and acrylic transparent spray.
look at my site :
http://www.riccardoferranti.com/strumentazione.htm

[BMF Effects]

For me, the best results have always been with LaserJet waterslide decals on a hammered paint finish. Print out the decals and use a little Micro-Sol decal solution to blend in the edges. I recently tried using dry transfer decals but I found them to be very delicate, very expensive and you only have once shot at positioning them.

[AdamB]

Wow, that fastsigns looks pretty cool. Don't think they deliever tho and nearest one to me is about 100km away, anyone know of one that allows to send custom graphics and delivers?

[Lonzo]

As usual everyone has offered some outstanding suggestions. 

Thank you so much.  I've got a lot of info to go through.  I'll post my results.

Thanks again everyone.  Your time and experience are appreciated.

lonzo

[Paul Marossy]

I have yet another method to offer that can give you results like this:



Read this page for more details...

[tatems]

I use rub on transfer lettering which seems to work fine for me.
I'm pretty sure you can by them from craft stores.

Tatems