Glue on metal question

[csmatt45]

Hey folks,

Can anyone recommend a god way to glue a small photo onto a stomp box? It can't be hot glue or epoxy because I need it to be as flat and smooth as possible. I'm thinking maybe scuff the finish with 220 sand paper, then use good old elmers glue, thinned out a bit.

Any other reccomendations?

DIY forum rules! thanks,
Matt

[Seljer]

Spray adhesive would probably the best for getting a nice thin enough uniform coating

[lumpymusic]

Spray adhesive would probably the best for getting a nice thin enough uniform coating

I have used 3M Super 77 spray contact adhesive very successfully.

Lumpy

[redeffect]

Vote #3 for spray contact adhesive.

[csmatt45]

do you think I'll need to scuff with the sandpaper?

thanks,

matt

[vortex]

I'd say Yes, scuff up the enclosure first. Most enclosures have some kind of oily coating on them which can't be good for adhesion. Even if the box is free from oils it's a good idea to prep the surface with a bit of sanding. 120 grit would be good.

[petemoore]

  Nail polish remover [..acetone] and a paper towel gets the last traces of oil off.
  *Scuffing and/or chemically removing the oil should allow excellent adhesion.
 

[MikeH]

You could always print the photo out on some photo-quality waterslide decal paper for laser jet.  Once you get the technique down, you can make some pretty professional looking graphics.  I've even made some very convincing graphics with the inkjet paper too.

[Pushtone]

I've use clear coat spray to glue on plain old office paper.

I print on clear or bond with a color inkjet.

I clear coat the printout first and let dry overnight.

Then I spray a light coat of clear on the box top only.
Then stick the paper down on the wet box.
You can reposition for several minutes.
Let dry for an hour.
Then 5 to 6 coats of clear to encapsulate the label.

Works great with bond office paper and it's thinner than photo quality paper.

Elmer's glue mixed with water should work too by why bother? Just use the clear as glue

[csmatt45]

GOT THE SPRAY ADHESIVE, WORKED GREAT. THANKS FOLKS!

MATT