Applying Graphics and Text to a Textured Enclosure

[tlite]

Googled around but the only thing I found was using vinyl letters with a heat gun.  Anyone have any good techniques for applying graphics and text to a textured metal enclosure?  I'm using this one for what it's worth...



https://www.taydaelectronics.com/hardware/enclosures/1590b-style-1/copper-hammer-125b-style-aluminum-diecast-enclosure.html

Thanks!

[iainpunk]

have you considered stencil and paint?
or just paint freehand?

i guess that's the easiest way

welcome to the forum,
cheers, Iain

[EBK]

Freehand with paint markers is what I've done in the past (on a Hammond textured black enclosure).  I suppose another alternative would be a faceplate.

[davent]

i think John Lyons (Basic Audio) was just using water slide decals on the hammered texture, paint, powder coated enclosures he was using.



You can see more examples here;
https://www.guitarpedalx.com/news/gpx-blog/basic-audio-compact-pedals-a-to-z--28-fantastic-flavours-of-fuzz-since-1998

With stencilling even on flat surfaces measures beyond just the stencil are needed to prevent seepage under the stencil. Could be a major challenge with the heavy texture to prevent seepage.
dave

[anotherjim]

There is a decal softener that model kit builders use to get them to lie tight over details like rivets and panel lines. An example would be Microscales "Micro Sol". Don't know what the active ingredient is.
http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MI-2

[EBK]

There is a decal softener that model kit builders use to get them to lie tight over details like rivets and panel lines. An example would be Microscales "Micro Sol". Don't know what the active ingredient is.
http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MI-2

Vinegar

If you use vinegar to soften a decal, it may initially bubble and make the decal look ruined.  Don't panic though.  It will smooth back down.  You can also add the vinegar to your soaking water if you prefer.

[davent]

There is a decal softener that model kit builders use to get them to lie tight over details like rivets and panel lines. An example would be Microscales "Micro Sol". Don't know what the active ingredient is.
http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MI-2

Vinegar

Always wondered how dilute those costly mini bottles were, i have the  Micro Set. A 3litre (3000ml) jug of 10% cleaning vinegar costs me $4.50cdn, a 30ml bottle of Micro Set from Amazon.ca is listed as $22.16cdn, i didn'y pay anywhere near that at a local brick and mortar. Amazon.ca can be quite the joke...

https://www.amazon.ca/Microscale-Industries-Micro-Setting-Solution/dp/B0006O9K4W/ref=pd_lpo_21_img_1/134-2484414-2938918?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0006O9K4W&pd_rd_r=a00c5fe4-08e5-4e7a-bfd4-305905fa54b8&pd_rd_w=xXiwY&pd_rd_wg=nPsxy&pf_rd_p=256a14b6-93bc-4bcd-9f68-aea60d2878b9&pf_rd_r=TGFY27B0YMNPDSGE3F4K&psc=1&refRID=TGFY27B0YMNPDSGE3F4K

Need someone to test and find the Micro dilutions.

More thoughts...

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/tools_techniques_and_reference_materials/f/20/t/176734.aspx

[iainpunk]

another option would be to use stamps, like analog man and JHS in the early days

cheers

[tlite]

Thanks, all.  I'd considered paint, but my drawing skills are terrible.  I've used waterslide decals mostly for other pedals, but may just go the stamp route.  Assume you add clearcoat over the stamp?  (Or paint, or whatever?)  Thanks for the warm welcome and ideas.  Appreciate it!

[iainpunk]

yes, i used 2 layers of a cheap clear satin spray lacquer over my stamped items when i stamped a bunch of tools for scouting
we have a set of 12mm and size 16mm alphabet, all lower case, and i used the normal black ink pad that came with the stamps.

you could go on the internet and order a custom stamp with your logo or any other graphic you want.

cheers, Iain

[merlinb]

I thought about this once and wondered if you could use custom 'temporary tatoo' decals, because they're very thin and designed to go on your gross lumpy skin. However, the setup cost for getting my own 'tattoos' printed was too high so I never tried it.

[EBK]

I thought about this once and wondered if you could use custom 'temporary tatoo' decals. However, the setup cost for getting my own 'tattoos' printed was too high so I never tried it.

Reminds me of the no-film decal product/process I mentioned a while back.  Fantastic results.  Not sure how well it would work on a textured surface though.

https://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=36392.msg1175495#msg1175495

(I can't believe I described a point during the pandemic as "a while back".  The Before Times is getting so far away.)

[MikeA]

If you do try waterslide, along with the softener, give it a bake when it's dry, I find that helps it to lay down and adhere.  You can go to 300 degrees F over powder coat, 200 degrees over paint.  I give it 30 minutes at temp, then let it cool to room temp in the oven (1-2 hours.)  Let us know what you try and how it works!

[tlite]

10-4!  Will do.  Now I'm tempted to try the temporary tattoo thing as well.   

[PRR]

...wondered if you could use custom 'temporary tatoo' decals, because they're very thin......the setup cost for getting my own 'tattoos' printed was too high...

The racket seems to have changed. I know nothing about tatts but got a price of $20/sheet delivered, with my own "art" and a text, die-cut.