"finishing" the front of the enclosure

[Rattlehead]

I made a simple cover to the front of my enclosure.
I did it transparent so i could see the color of the enclosure.
If i'll buy this type of "paper"
http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=119

I only need to iron it to the front of the pedal? and that's it?
if someone can explain me how to do it i will really appreciate it.

tnx 

[choklitlove]

if you search t-shirt transfers, you'll get some stuff.  like this:

It's pretty straightforward. First get yourself some Avery Ink Jet Dark T-Shirt Transfers. They're at Office Max and a bunch of other stores as well. Make a layout in your favorite graphics program that's the same dimensions of the enclosure you'll be decorating. I kill two birds with one stone and include drill holes on my layout as well. First I print out a regular paper copy, tape it to the box and use it to get all my drill holes knocked out. Then I prep the box by sanding off the top layer of crap and getting it really clean with some acetone. Once the box is prepped, print another copy of the graphic on a piece of regular paper (low quality and grayscale to save ink). Then cut a piece of the transfer paper slightly larger than the size of the graphic. Tape the transfer paper to the regular paper so that the transfer lines up clean with the printed image and print it on highest quality. Please note that you must use an inkjet printer. After that, you can pretty much follow the instructions included with the paper. Get your iron on the highest cotton setting and don't use steam. Peel the backing off the transfer and place it on the enclosure. Use one of the included cover sheets to make the ironing go a little smoother. Pay attention to the edges because you don't want them to peel. Once the transfer seems good and bonded to the enclosure, let it cool, and then clear coat it to your liking. I had great results on the first try using this method. It seems to be one of the easiest ways to get great results.

i've used light color transfers and they worked really nice.  the only thing is, i haven't found tranfers that are clear anywhere.  i printed on the white ones, and just cut meticulously.  anyone know about clear transfers?

edit: i'm not sure how it would turn out if you've already painted the box.  it depends on the kind of paint you used.  it might not like the iron's heat.  you may want to look into "water slide decals".  i have not tried them though.

[Rattlehead]

So is the smallbear paper ok?
I just need to clean the top,print the cover,iron it,and let it cool?

[GibsonGM]

I haven't done anything with t-shirt transfers, but waterslide decals have worked great for me.  Plus, they're clear.  Just a suggestion...

[Rattlehead]

and where exactly can i find waterslide decals ?

[Rattlehead]

And about these waterslide decals, i just gotta put it on the enclosure, put some water on it,and that's it?
I need something to protect it?

[choklitlove]

if you search "decals" (search button above) you'll find a lot of info. 

this place sells what you'll need: http://www.decalpaper.com/inkjet.html
i just googled water decals.

here are instructions from the above place:
   

"   * Step #1: Design your decals using any graphic software program. (Use 8 1/2 " x 11" sheet BEL INK JET Decal Paper or cut sheet into half if desired.)

    * Step #2: Set your printer as follows:

          o Resolution = Best
          o Paper = Photo Gloss
          o (Print your decal on the glossy side of BEL INK JET Decal Paper.)


    * Step #3: Spray your printed sheet evenly with Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear High Gloss spray until the sheet has a shine (2-3 coats). Allow 30 to 60 minutes to dry and set. (This product is available at any craft or hardware store such as Loews, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, etc. Any acrylic clear coat spray will work.)

    * Step #4: Cut out your image using a standard pair of sharp household scissors.

    * Step #5: Place decal into a cup of clean water for 45-60 seconds and remove when the thin decal film begins to slip along backing. (Discard backing material after the decal has been removed)

    * Step #6: Apply decal to clean surface; ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, soap, candles, mylar balloons, model trains, planes, cars, etc. "


you can clear coat as needed afterwards.  just clear spray paint.  hope this helps!

[Pushtone]

Posted this before but its worth reposts as its just SO EZ...

On the low tech side....
Don't discount plain old paper. I have just glued down paper right out of the color inkjet with fantastic results. The key here is to create a full face graphic that goes to the edges and then 10 coats of clear to smooth the edge.


Design a color graphic that covers the entire top.
Print color graphic on plain office paper for a white background or ink jet transparencies for a clear background.
You can use any paper but office bond is thin and won't stick up too much like photo paper will.
Tape the printout down on a board and spray three coats of clear to fix the ink and prevent smears. Let dry and cut out to size.
Prepare the box, sanding cleaning etc.
Spray a thin coat of clear on the box. Apply the graphic. The clear is the glue and since it takes a while to dry you can reposition the graphic for many minutes to get it in just the right place.
Now spray 10 coats of clear on top.

Warning about using plastic transparencies... it will take two week for the final clear coat to dry and the graphic can be pushed around easily for several days so if you want a clear "paper" let it sit a long, long time to dry.

[Pushtone]

You should also consult the Wiki

See link at top of page

or

instant gratification
http://www.diystompboxes.com/wiki/index.php?title=AllAboutEnclosures