Graphics advice

[Al Heeley]

I've tried injet-printed dry-rub decal paper and wet-slide paper, spray cans and sharpies, the best method so far for stompbox graphics has been reverse printing onto the old overhead transparency acetates then gluing ink-side-down onto the metal box top. But I always get a rough finish cos I'm gluing with a thin smear of araldite 2-part epoxy and it creates some lines and blisters.
Is there a better way to get a more proessional-looking finish for the graphics? Is there a better glue to use or laminating technique?
What about self-adhesive clear sheets? I guess they would then need clear lacquer overcoating to protect them?
There are some fabulous professional-looking boxes in the Pictures thread, I'm after a few hints on how to get mine looking a bit sharper.

[jefe]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=88271.0

[wormfooduk]

lazer wet-slide paper is the method i use, but i have used pvc overhead projector sheets before, i found that aerosol spray glue worked best and then spray clear coat over the top. you can get a really even and thin glue layer with an aerosol I dont think it will be possible with epoxy.

[Al Heeley]

PMcG's tutorial is good but its a bit too complicated for me to handle, with the pour-on epoxy and toaster oven in the garage. Interesting idea to spray the reverse of the OHP film after printing, to build up the colour.

Wormfood: do you manage to do a single whole piece laser-slide decal in one go onto a stompbox enclosure, or do you do it in sections?
I think I must try the clear spray coat like Rick is suggesting. (Plasti-Kote Metal Sealer)

[alparent]

Wormfood: do you manage to do a single whole piece laser-slide decal in one go onto a stompbox enclosure, or do you do it in sections?

OK I'm not Wormfood! But I will give you my 2 cents anyways.

When I did laser-slide decals in sections I would get an edge around every section. When I did it in one whole piece, I would trim it to the contour of the box and no edges where noticeable.

But now I etch my enclosures and I really like the durability it gives me.

Can't be as artistic as with laser-slides I guess ('cause of my lack of expertise) but some of the etched enclosures I've seen on this forum will just blow your mind!

Like I said.......just my 2 cents!

[Al Heeley]

Daddy? Is that you?
I love the etched boxes, they are amazing when done well. Sadly I broke the office laserjet when trying out PNP paper, it got all gunked up, so my efforts to try out enclosure etching fell by the wayside.
I know what u mean about the water-slide decal edges, they are not acceptable for am A1 finish. I can never get a whole piece to sit well enough either.