Project box lettering?

[boogietube]

I'm using watermark decal transfers and a top clearcoat to finish my projects. It's ok, but how would I paint the lettering and graphics on? Not freehand - I suck at such things. I would like to do multiple pedals and maybe be able to re-use whatever it is that I have to use.

[MartyB]

As you've probably figured out, the box underneath the decal has a big influence on the final color since the decal is translucent.  My solution was to either paint the whole box white...

http://www.freewebs.com/martyb/axisfuzz.htm

or paint under the area of the decal white by masking off an area...

http://www.freewebs.com/martyb/bsiab2.htm

Both work fine.

Not sure how you could paint by stencil, for example.  I think Dragonfly uses vinyl adhesive stickers that he prints on.
HTH
MartyB

[boogietube]

Thanks for your input. Cool axis graphics!! I was thinking about stensils-i think. I just don't know how to do it or if I can get multiple ones cut or something. aaaaah!!
It's driving me crazy

[mojotron]

I have been using decals on enamel, seems to work great. But, you might want to look into silkscreening. I see that most pedals I see in shops have white paint silkscreened on - then a clearcoat on top of that.

[murdoow]

I just silkscreened the box for my first pedal. It can be a bit intensive just for pedals (depending on how many you make) but will also come in handy for tshirts, posters, and just about anything.  You can buy a kit for about $50 that should take care of it.  maybe here: http://www.robinsdesign.com/art_silk_screen_kits.html or at your local art store.  here is my first try at it.

i haven't tried decals yet, which might give you more colors and detail, but i don't mind the raw look of the silkscreen.

[PB Wilson]

I was trying to figure out just what you silkscreened and then I saw it. Cool rodent skull!

I've been using dry transfer lettering from Chartpak and other companies. They aren't too expensive and if you can find a good art supply store you can get them in all sorts of fonts and sizes and some in white and other colors so you don't always have to use light colored paint.

[Clipped]

Murdoow -

Was it pretty easy "burning" the screen for the silk screening? I've always heard newbs are pretty hit and miss getting a screen delevoped, and this is probably what has kept me from trying it.

Seems like a screen would be a good way to go about repeating a design.


You guys ever try the white decal water slide paper so You don't have to paint white underneath??

Have fun,
Ron

[murdoow]

The burning isn't that bad, and you don't need any special equipment to do it.  I use a 150w bulb in one of those silver clamp lights.  I photocopy the design onto transparency and put that under glass, on top of the screen, all over a black cloth or work surface.  Getting the time right can be a little trial and error, but you always get something.  I leave it for about 35 minutes or less, depending on the detail.  I follow this great tutorial almost exactly, except their times (45 min) are too long for my setup: http://www.reuels.com/reuels/page512.html
 
good luck!