Alternatives to waterslide decals?

[A.Gillies]

I have a pre-painted hammond box that I want to put graphics on but I don't want to have to put a clear coat over the graphics, because I'm pretty sure I'd manage to mess it up. What alternatives are there to waterslide decals that don't require a clear coat? I looked into using vinyl stickers but there aren't places in Toronto that will do small quantities, also the pedal has to be done for tuesday, so that pretty much rules out ordering online. Suggestions? Thanks!

[R.G.]

Get out your paint brushes.   

Sadly, waterslide decals are one of the best, fastest ways to do lettering and decoration.

You could etch the aluminum top of the box, but if you goof that up, you toss the box. If you goof up coating a decal, you wipe it all off with solvent and try again.

In fact, prepare for four trials with waterslide: three practice and one for real. Chances are your second or third one will be fine.

Screen printing is nice, but slow and messy, as well as expensive for one box at a commercial house.

I've been in this situation before, and what it taught me is to not promise something that I have not yet mastered the technology of. Education is always expensive. Sometimes money is the cheapest way to pay for it.

[artifus]

if you have a steady hand, patience, a craft knife and some spray paint maybe a stencil?

[deadastronaut]

whats wrong with clearcoat?...

clearcoating  is fine, just spray a couple of very light dusting coats at first...let it dry between coats......then do a couple of full coats...no problem!...

and remember when using waterslides to do the waterslide or the 'whole' face of the box...regardless of the graphic image...so the edges of the waterslide arent seen..(blend into the edge)..

[A.Gillies]

Thanks for the info! I like the idea of making a stencil, I might try it. I'm not opposed to decals or clearcoats, it's just that I haven't had very much practice with clearcoating yet and the pedal is a gift for someone, so I'd rather do something I'm less likely to mess up, but if the pedal were for myself I'd just go for it and see what happens. I think I'll try to do a stencil or paint with brushes. Thanks!