Best way to paint a guitar pedal?

[stomp bomb]

Hello, after I made a Distorsion pedal with no graphics or drawings, only a red color, I thought that it would be much cooler to build another guitar pedal, but this time I would like to make writings on it and graphics.
Any suggestions for an easy (or not ) way to paint, or make writings on it?
would it work with spray paints? how? Are there other ways?

thanks

[vigilante397]

There are probably hundreds of threads to this effect on here. The answers generally include the following:

- Sharpie/permanent marker
- Label maker
- Pre-made decals
- Paint markers
- Waterslide decals
- Acid etching
- Laser engraving
- CNC engraving

There are plenty of options out there, it really comes down to how much time and/or money you want to spend on it.

[amptramp]

Some people have used large washers just below the knobs with the control identifier printed on the washer.  That way, you don't have to do anything to the enclosure itself.

[EBK]

Going to add decoupage to the list.  I'm attempting it for the first time, but I know others have done it quite successfully.

[rutabaga bob]

Ron: like the washer idea!
Eric: I have also wondered about the decoupage technique, thinking about what to use to get the stuff to stick to metal.  Years ago my sister used to decoupage on sewing baskets, etc..

[willienillie]

Decoupage?  Is that how you get free range chickens?

[digi2t]

Decoupage?  Is that how you get free range chickens?

I wish I could multi-like that one. Bloody brilliant!

[Kipper4]

Thermo forming.
Epoxy resin coating.
Vinyl labels.
Steam punk styling.
Fabric.

Not paint but ideas.

[KarenColumbo]

Ink print a transparent film, stick it on and give it a few coats of transparent spray laquer. Depends on the kind of red, though. Wish there was affordable white inkjet ink

[Kipper4]

Silk screening.
3D printer
Depends what's available .

[EBK]

Mark Hammer is sleeping, so I will add this:
old Letraset rub-on lettering, which apparently works better with a touch of tacky clear coat sprayed first.   

[Kipper4]

Oh yer I remember some of my early dymo label distortion series.

[EBK]

Eric: I have also wondered about the decoupage technique, thinking about what to use to get the stuff to stick to metal.  Years ago my sister used to decoupage on sewing baskets, etc..

Polycrylic seems to stick to bare metal fine.

[Strategy]

I like the Fairfield Circuitry pedal line - he uses these letters that are like stamps you can hammer into a typical hammond enclosure and get the impression of a letter. Looks time consuming as you have to carefully hammer each letter of your labels.

[diydave]

Going to add decoupage to the list.  I'm attempting it for the first time, but I know others have done it quite successfully.

Laserprint your graphics on paper. Or use some cartoon, picture, whatever from a magazine.
Get decopatch glue + varnish and 'paint' the enclosure. This is to avoid the paper gets 'bumpy' over time due to the aluminium (oxidation).
Glue the graphics on the enclosure with decopatch glue + varnish.
When dry, add multiple layers of the decopatch varnish. It's durable, glossy, doesn't scratch or loses 'chips of paint'.