Artwork: Alternatives to screen printing?

[Snufkinoob]

I'm building a batch of Fuzz boxes and the only thing they're missing is artwork.

DIY Screenprinting isn't really a possibility at the moment, and I've only found one company locally who can do it, but they are next to useless in communicating and I've got tired of the idea, so what other options are there?

I'm currently getting a quote for small anodised aluminum name plates, but that might be too pricy. At the other end of the price spectrum is water slide decals, which look awful. If needs must, then okay, but I'd really rather not. 

So what alternatives are there? I remember looking up an iron-on method that seemed almost as good as screenprinting, in that they were nice and bold and very hard wearing, but I'm not sure if you can do that on powder coated enclosures due to the heat involved?

Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives?

[davent]

I'm sure people like Basic Audio'd be thrilled to learn waterslide decals look awful.
dave

[Tony Forestiere]

Maybe contact a sign shop aboout vinyl stickers?

[Snufkinoob]

I'm sure people like Basic Audio'd be thrilled to learn waterslide decals look awful.
dave

Well the common stationary shop water slide decals that I'm using look bad. Not sure if you're just joking or making a snide remark considering I never said Basic Audio pedals look bad.  

In fact, my Basic Audio Zippy right beside my box looks much better, so I assumed BA use some other type of decal, or at least a better type of water decal and probably a different coating than I'm using.

[italianguy63]

Dave getting called out on a snide comment?!

If I could see the "LIKE" button I would press it!

MC

[mth5044]

Pedalpartsplus.com does UV printing. Depending on how large your run is, you can get a decent deal on it.

[Snufkinoob]

Forgot to mention, I'm in the UK. I think Mammoth do this service too, but it would cost a fortune to have a batch made and shipped over. Then there's the 20% VAT and "handling charge".  There are so many great, affordable places for enclosures, powder coating and screen printing but they're all in the USA.

- EDIT: Although having said that, I've looked through the options and charges and it might not be too bad after all.

[AdamM]

https://www.diginate.com/

never tried this idea, but it looks feasible

[Snufkinoob]

That seems worth a look, thanks. Just noticed Ghost Effects uses them sometimes.

[GGBB]

Well the common stationary shop water slide decals that I'm using look bad. Not sure if you're just joking or making a snide remark considering I never said Basic Audio pedals look bad.  

In fact, my Basic Audio Zippy right beside my box looks much better, so I assumed BA use some other type of decal, or at least a better type of water decal and probably a different coating than I'm using.

I think Dave's point was probably that waterslide decals only look as bad as we make them look. I'm not sure if type/brand matters as far as looks go, but certainly some might be easier to work with than others. If the ones you used look bad and you're certain it's not your skill level, try some other ones. I'll bet if you asked him, John Lyons would tell you what kind he uses: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=36392.msg998912#msg998912.

[Beo]

https://www.diginate.com/

never tried this idea, but it looks feasible

This looks really good. Qty10 clear vinyls sized for 1590BB comes out to 20 bucks. (not sure about shipping) That's 2$ per sticker. And they do white with ink backing to make sure it stands out. The clear says 100mil weight... I'm not sure how thick that would be, and how well clearcoat would cover it.

Even just doing one big one with several individual pedal art seems doable... would just have to cut  them out yourself. Might put in an order.

[John Lyons]

For what it's worth. I use Smallbear's  laser decal paper with a lacquer undercoat and topcoat.
For production pedals I primarily use Mammoth's UV printing service.
I'm sure Dave wasn't trying to offend. 

[deadastronaut]

@john, hi man, IIRC you use a 'softener' on your decals?...or something, to lose the edges..

[davent]

No, not meant to offend, sorry if it came across that way, meant to garner clairification. I read At the other end of the price spectrum is water slide decals, which look awful. as a blanket statement, should have just asked.

Rob you can get little bottles of solvent such as Micro Set or Micro Sol for the job, smell just like the Acetic Acid i use to use as a stop bath in b&w photography, so no doubt diy versions out there using vinegar.
dave

[deadastronaut]

cheers dave, yeah i seem to recall there was a way to 'melt' those nasty edges...

i always etch really, but i have tried waterslides a few times, with lame results ,  i just get anal

about nasty edges so i gave up on waterslides...so etching for me it is..