What do you do for labeling?

[acehobojoe]

I've considered a few options for labeling or placing graphics. Fortunately, I have a great graphic designer, but unfortunately, waterslide decals are just not enough for my pedals. I would like white graphics and lighter colors occasionally, and that just isn't very easy with the decals.
I have thought about screen printing, because we used to use those in a class I took for t shirts. The graphics were very accurate on the screens we used. I just don't know what type of ink/paint to use. I know that would be a great option if I could get it up and running.
I mainly want a setup that can keep working well for different jobs. My budget is still fairly small though. So I'm not sure what is best.

[Circusbrains]

I've been into building pedals only since October last year
I have to be careful about spending money because I'm having a great time .
I've come to really enjoy etching my own pcbs , so I just started etching aluminum and it looks like the secret is prep work . Sand sand sand

This is my 3rd attempt on a piece of scrap used for a faceplate

Sorry the pic isn't better; I'm far from home

[Circusbrains]

As far as painted enclosures go, I'm searching for answers as well . I'm not a big fan of waterslide decals

[seedlings]

I'm not someone to look to for advice for results... but I've tried a few methods...

That being said, etching is great, but unpredictable for enclosures for me. 


I have also printed directly from inkjet to paper, then put 'modge podge' or some other medium on the enclosure, press the inked paper into the medium, dry, then peel/rub off the paper, and apply clear coat (the ink and some paper sticks, and will have paper pulp fibers stuck in... maybe some fingerprints). 


I have also printed inkjet to paper, then cut out the paper, glued directly to enclosure and spray clear on top.


  Also I have some rubber stamps individual letters (large and small), as well as sending print and images to rubberstamps.com to make stamps.  Staz-on ink seems to work ok.  Be sure the ink is dry, then clear coat.  Too much clear can cause the ink to run - which can be a cool effect in itself. 


Have also bought vinyl decals, attached, then cover with clear coat.  That clear coat kind of peeled off though and had to be redone...



Adding to the previous post, prep, prep, prep, plan, plan, plan, try, try, try, again, again, again.

CHAD

[pappasmurfsharem]

Adding to the previous post, prep, prep, prep, plan, plan, plan, try, try, try, again, again, again.

CHAD

Sooo..... about that switch placement.....

[seedlings]

Sooo..... about that switch placement.....

HahahaHAAA!!!  Yeah, batman is supposed to have the utility belt...

I'm waiting to hear back from the Cialis focus group.

CHAD

[MrStab]

https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Diphallia.html

[seedlings]

https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Diphallia.html

Acehobojoe, please ponder my sincere apologies for this pathogenic parting from the purpose of your post!!!   

CHAD

[Jdansti]

Lately I've been printing onto photo paper, gluing the it to the box and covering it with Envirotex epoxy. It's very easy and looks great.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=105109.msg953356#msg953356

[Liquitone]

When I started I just used a sharpy for practical reasons after which I briefly tried water-slide decals. I liked the look of the semi transparent colors over clear aluminum, but my clear-coating skills where rubbish and it started to crack badly, and I couldn't stand the fumes so after 3 builds I tried something different again. Because I wanted to work without sprays or etching chemicals I tried metal stamps and pretty much stuck to that.
Although I started using them for practical reasons, it's now an inconvenience because I can't make that much noise now I'm living in a city apartment. Although inconvenient, I am sticking to this style because it's a look I like and want to keep for my pedals. There is a city workshop I'm doing this work now, several enclosures at a time.

Sharpy, 2008


Decal/clearcoat, 2009


Metal stamps/polish, 2014

[acehobojoe]

Thanks to all of you.... Especially the superman Viagra guy. You were saying that you used inkjet paper directly placed on the pedal, could I use that for etching? Because then I could manually paint in the etched areas.

[seedlings]

Thanks to all of you.... Especially the superman Viagra guy. You were saying that you used inkjet paper directly placed on the pedal, could I use that for etching? Because then I could manually paint in the etched areas.

No Iinkjetfor etching.  Look up 'photo transfer to metal' on youtube.  There will be several grandmas and artsy fellows who can show you.  The inkjet will transfer the ink to the medium (think glue), which is also stuck to the metal.  This means that your entire image is covered in medium (glue), so no etchant will penetrate.

For etching, I use GLOSSY INKJET paper, but print with LASER TONER, not ink.  Then iron the toner (plastic) onto the enclosure.  This method leaves the toner ONLY stuck to the metal, with no medium (glue).  The etchant can find the metal.

CHAD

[duck_arse]

my sister does craft, which is of no help to you. she has a machine with a handle (squeaks for hours on end) that die-cuts shapes/letters from paper of many different colours/textures/patterns. for a couple of pedals, I have collected the letters I needed in colours I could stomach. some pedals I just stuck them on and clear sprayed, some pedals I stuck the letters to a clear ohp sheet, and then put a perspex panel over the top. the perspex can be used to "sink" knobs into, or can be backlit, etc. it looks a bit like glass.

unfortunately, she has only 3 dies, and the letters are all too big/too ugly for my boxes. I once took the metal inserts from some of the knobs like liquids liquivibe, letraset-ed and then etched a single letter on, painted around, and stuck it back on the knob.

if I tried to hand letter a front panel, I wouldn't be able to read any of the markings, my writing is that bad.

[seedlings]

Here are more varied examples.  Liquitone's metal stamps are awesome!  Here are rubber letter stamps.  Notice the 'TWEX' ink ran a little.  The wordy overdrive is layer after layer of inkjet image medium transfer over bad paint job.  Maybe Davent will show off some of his transfer medium work.  It's stellar.

CHAD

[Tony Forestiere]

Old school. Got this device Christmas of 1974 from my Grandparents. Easy to read and non-permanent. 

[seedlings]

Old school. Got this device Christmas of 1974 from my Grandparents. Easy to read and non-permanent.

^ Good enough for Ken Fisher, and screams tone.
CHAD

[vigilante397]

I still love me some waterslides and clearcoat.

[acehobojoe]

I'm going to try your paper method, chad. I will send pics.

[seedlings]

I'm going to try your paper method, chad. I will send pics.

Awesome.  You can try it out on wood or any scrap metal.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=106302.msg962413#msg962413

^ this is what it can look like if you have talent.  I have ability, which happens to be a far cry from talent.

CHAD

[acehobojoe]

Haha! Well, his box looks amazing. How did he get the paint stenciled out like that? Or is it all toner?