Custom dry transfer lettering (letraset)!

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

http://www.allout-graphics.com/
Bruce from Modcan synthesisers mentioned this company in the synth-diy list. I guess other people can do this too, the technology is called chromatec.
Apparently this stuff is used for those model maker's rub-down transfers.
Can anyone tell me what to coat the stuff wiht for permanence? (or what NOT to!)

[finkfloyd]

Hi, My father sent me a load of these letraset(he used them for model airplanes), rub on decals a while back, just lettering though, I tried it once, found it tricky to rub on & align

I think He uses acrylic laquer, but i would think any laquer would do for permant hold.

[Mark Hammer]

I bought a stack of rub-on lettering from an art-supplies store that was clearing out a whole bench full of it.  Make sure you keep it from drying out.  Sealable plastic bags are a good idea as is placing heavy books on top to squeeze the air out.

Any clear laquer will do just fine.  Matte looks quite nice IMHO, but gloss looks fine too.  The only caveat I would offer is that very light coats are called for.  Too heavy a coat and the edges of the transfers tend to lift a bit, giving a  not-very-pleasant bas relief effect.  You can hasten drying/curing with heat blowers, hair dryers, etc., but baking is contra-indicated.  It tends to yellow the clear lacquer.

[amz-fx]

Several years ago I looked at having custom Letraset sheets made for  d-i-y pedal  building and it was too expensive...  this supplier might be a good alternative.  I'll check it out....

Thanks,  Jack

[bancika]

I got another idea: you know that foil that used for shop window decoration. There's small company here that does custom job, you just make design in Corel and they cut foil very precisely. I ordered for 5 pedals and two guitar headstock decals and it costed about 1.5$. Hope it will stick fine to aluminum

[John Lyons]

Deft laquer sold at lowes and probably home depot worked fine for me. Another vote for the Semi gloss, hides the edges a bit and make a less sparkly look which I like.

Another thing to try.
I use the waterslide decals from smallbear and then rub the letraset/Daytak letters onto it. Then I can cut out the whole word and place it on my pedal/ampfaceplate. Then cleat coat with  a few light coats of laquer.
Parts express and Antique electronics have the daytak dry transfer letter sets of white rub on words. They have audio terms, treble, bass volume etc. Simpler than making the words from individual letters. Nice for dark paints!

John

[Paul Marossy]

My dad used Letraset lettering all the time 20 years ago when board drafting. I used to use it all the time for other things. I haven't seen the stuff for years, though. Mark's advice is good, you want to keep it from drying out for best results. Otherwise, the letters will crack as you rub them on... 

[skiraly017]

I found a local printer who did custom dry transfer sheets and had one done. Cost $75 and I was supposed to get 25 boxes from that one page($3 each box). Aligning the dry transfer was a complete and total nightmare. In reality, after screwups I got about 11 boxes from that sheet ($6.81 per box). Not very cost effective. If you're not going to silk screen, I still think waterslide decals are the way to go.

As for clear coating the dry transfer letting, a couple of light coats of clear worked just fine.

[John Lyons]

Yes, it takes some steady hands, a few trial attempts and patience to do the rub on decals.
With a dark painted box etc. I can't think of another (cost effective/cheap) looking way than white rub on letters and waterslide decal.

WOW! $75! ouchsky.

John