[sdiy] Panels with decals

[Justin Owen]

----Original Message-----
From: David G. Dixon [dixon at interchange.ubc.ca]
Received: 09.03.2009 19:06:46
To: 'synthdiy DIY'
Subject: [sdiy] Panels with decals

> Following up on Danjel van Tijn's queries about Metalphoto, I note that some
> synth DIYers use Lazertran waterslide transfer decals for their panels.  I'd
> be interested in hearing any stories (good or bad) about using this. 

David,

It's probably worth mentioning that the results of any of these decals, transfers, Lazertran etc, is going to depend, at least partly, on the surface it's going on and the lacquer/clear coat that is used to seal it.

Lazertran advertises that it will go clear (or at least opaque) once it is coated with a clear lacquer - and there's enough happy customers on this list to prove that it does - apparently.

For me though, using it on an ABS surface coated with acrylic-based auto paints gave lousy results - a kind of flaky, white, only vaguely semi-opaque finish, that worked reasonably well over a silver background - but was pretty much useless over anything else. I tried a whole bunch of different techniques to make it work - and then decided to give it a miss. Curiously - most of the people who have used it and are happy with it - seem to be putting it on a silver/aluminium (metal) background (as far as I can tell).

I've recently started experimenting with this...

http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/products-Laser-water-slide-decal-paper_155.htm

It needs very good surface prep - light sanding, keying and cleaning, alot of practice at application - and loads of patience - but the results aren't too bad - good even. I'd guess, that on, say, a sheet of well made steel/aluminium, etc - you might even get great results.

This is all based entirely on my own, quite specific, experience - YMMV.

HTH,

Justin