[sdiy] Panel Decals

[synth at charlielamm.com]

I have had pretty good luck with the inkjet water slide decal stuff going
onto metal.

http://www.decalpaper.com/inkjet.html

You can also buy a single sheet for 2 bucks here:
http://www.smallbearelec.com/Ordering/Stocklist.htm

I have tried the decal paper with clear backing (good for black letters on
a white metal or brushed aluminum blank panel), and white backing (good
for color pix reproductions--a pix of grinning Mr. Buchla for my Vactrol
VCF front panel for instance).  As I see it, inkjet water slide doesn't
look as good as silk screening but gets the job done.  And other than the
krylon spray, it's not messy and stinky the way some other synthDIY
processes (like PCB fab) are.

Make sure to put clearcoat over the final product, or your letting will
not last long!!!!

One more note: I have discovered by trial and error that depending on your
inkjet and how it's set up your printer may not attempt to spray "white"
ink onto your waterslide output.  Instead, the printer expects to let the
white "show through" from the paper beneath.  Not much good if your are
using the clear backing stuff.

--CL



On Wed, 13 Aug 2003, Troy Gray wrote:

> I'm starting to make my own panels and I'm looking into different techniques to apply decals. I'm considering using the decal transfer paper for the printer. But what's silk screening? Is it easier? Cheaper? Better results?
>