[sdiy] Panels with decals

[Altitude]

My experience is that lasertran needs an absolutely smooth surface to get
good results and the proper clear coat.  The best results I have had were on
a painted panel sanded with automotive grade paper (1500 grit) followed by a
solvent based clear.  The absolute worst results were on sliver anodized
aluminum.  Great thread though, I love to hear about alternatives.  My holy
grail at this point is something with a white background that I can get
white lettering on black with.

r

-----Original Message-----
From: synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:synth-diy-bounces at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of Justin Owen
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 5:54 AM
To: David G. Dixon; 'synthdiy DIY'
Subject: Re: [sdiy] Panels with decals

----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


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