Screenprinting's a custom job isn't much more difficult than etching your
own PCB. I've considered doing custom MOTM panels myself, but, well, I don't
have anything to put behind them yet!
Here's what you do:
A design. You could do this on a computer.
A piece of acetate (or suitably clear material) with your image on it
(positive, NOT negative).
A silk (or synthetic substitute) screen. You can build it yourself or buy
one. Notes on building yourself if you ask.
Photoemulsion. This stuff comes in sheets now, so you should be able to buy
small amounts from some sort of art/craft shop.
Follow the instructions for adhering the emulsion to the screen.
Lay the photo positive (the acetate) on the screen and expose to horribly
bright light (the sun will work).
The light hardens the emulsion, leaving the positive image soft and
water-soluble. Wash out the screen (the water washes out where you want the
ink to go through).
Get some suitable ink (don't know what kind's used for metal, actually--I'm
used to textiles).
Build a simple jig for the panel to keep it still.
Center the screen over the panel, put some ink on the screen (not in the
image, but off to the side or above or whatever)
Use a silk-screen printing squeegee and draw the ink across.
Cure the ink if necessary.
Bingo. New panel.
I've been doing this (haven't in recent years) since I was a little boy and
my Dad started his business--back then, there weren't printed t-shirts
really--they were undershirts, and you certainly didn't print slogans on
them! He hand-made all of his equipment, including the squeegees, screens,
etc. No photosensitive emulsion either--he hand cut all his designs. He's a
remarkable draftsman and did great work.
It's easy, fun and time-consuming. Try it!
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-----Original Message-----
From: Tentochi [mailto:tentochi@...]
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 1999 12:02 PM
To: motm@onelist.com
Subject: RE: [motm] Is this thing working?
From: "Tentochi" <tentochi@...>
Dave--
I thought about doing this too! Would it be cheeper to do two panels?
--Shemp
> Re Blancet: I have a current project in which I am mounting Dark Star pcb
> behind a MOTM blank panel. I am contemplating paying for a silkscreen to
> label the panel since I can't find the right transfer letters. I'll let
> everyone know how it comes out.
>
> Dave Bradley
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