Question about box graphics

[rutledj]

I'm looking for economical ways to apply graphics/wording to the top of my box. Seems like I remember someone using a laminated piece of paper glued to the top.

Just curious if anyone has tried the roll of laminate like you can buy at Walmart that doesn't require heating?

Thanks,
Rut

[Clipped]

I think a few on here have used clear mailing labels on occasion. Print 'em off on your printer and stick them on.

Keep in mind lighter colors on the label may not look good on a darker colored box....

Water slide is also a possibility. They make printer paper for inkjet and laser. Print your design, clear coat them and then apply like any other water slide decal.

Have fun -
Ron

[ninoman123]

I use white labels sprayed over with some clear laquer. You can do any color or design you want this way. I use Autocad 2005 to make the graphics.

[wampcat1]

You can also get photo-gloss adhesive paper. Works great! I get mine on ebay, but you may be able to find it at office depot or the like.

Brian

[gez]

I'm looking for economical ways to apply graphics/wording to the top of my box.

I use a 'Model T Ford' approach to lettering my boxes.  I print out lettering onto a 'window sticker', apply it to the box using a piece of card to get rid of air bubbles, then slap a piece of acrylic over it.  The fixtures (pots, stompswitch etc) hold the acrylic plate in place (tape it to the box when you're drilling so that the holes match up).  I make the scratchplate slightly smaller than the surface of the box, simply cut off the excess bits of sticker carefully with a scalpel.  

You can't tell it's a sticker and the whole job only takes about 5mins from start to finish.  I could post a pic if you're interested.

[wampcat1]

I'm looking for economical ways to apply graphics/wording to the top of my box.

I use a 'Model T Ford' approach to lettering my boxes.  I print out lettering onto a 'window sticker', apply it to the box using a piece of card to get rid of air bubbles, then slap a piece of acrylic over it.  The fixtures (pots, stompswitch etc) hold the acrylic plate in place (tape it to the box when you're drilling so that the holes match up).  I make the scratchplate slightly smaller than the surface of the box, simply cut off the excess bits of sticker carefully with a scalpel.  

You can't tell it's a sticker and the whole job only takes about 5mins from start to finish.  I could post a pic if you're interested.

I'd like to see a pic if possible!

Also, what kind of acrylic plate are you talking about? Is it thick?

Thanks,
Brian

[gez]

I'd like to see a pic if possible!

Also, what kind of acrylic plate are you talking about? Is it thick?

It's 2mm if I recall.  I buy offcuts from a local supplier for next to nothing and they cut it down to size for me.  I just got 5 squares cut a few days ago and it only cost £2!  They do all sorts of colours, but I stick with clear.

It's late so I'll post some pics tomorrow/on the weekend as I'm in the middle of doing a box at the moment.  In the meantime there's an example on my website if you're interested (click on the www icon).  Apologies for the blurb (plus the samples, I'm about to redo them)... :oops:

[gez]

Forgot to mention the bleedin' obvious, you need to cut out holes in the sticker with a scalpel for the pots etc.

[wampcat1]

I'd like to see a pic if possible!

Also, what kind of acrylic plate are you talking about? Is it thick?

It's 2mm if I recall.  I buy offcuts from a local supplier for next to nothing and they cut it down to size for me.  I just got 5 squares cut a few days ago and it only cost £2!  They do all sorts of colours, but I stick with clear.

It's late so I'll post some pics tomorrow/on the weekend as I'm in the middle of doing a box at the moment.  In the meantime there's an example on my website if you're interested (click on the www icon).  Apologies for the blurb (plus the samples, I'm about to redo them)... :oops:

Looks good!! Are you selling through dealers currently? What isyour list price on them?

[nelson]

I have seen the whirligig for sale on ebay before.

[gez]

Looks good!! Are you selling through dealers currently?

No, I don't sell much and when I have done it's directly to musicians.  I stuck a box on ebay recently to see what all the fuss was about, but didn't get any takers so I'll stick to what I'm used to!

It's a cheap and cheerful approach to labelling, but it's rugged and looks 'good enough'.  The main thing is it makes the boxes affordable, people just don't seem to want to pay the money it takes to make stuff, not in the UK at any rate.  

I use this labelling method for my own projects too and it's nice and quick, then again it helps that I can get the plastic cut to size locally.

[spudulike]

Gez - can you name the supplier who cuts your acrylic ? I'd like to try that finish technique myself.

[robbiemcm]

I wrote on my metal box with a marker pen. I'd rather it if the circuit inside worked though

[gez]

Gez - can you name the supplier who cuts your acrylic ? I'd like to try that finish technique myself.

I'll sort out the address this afternoon. If you just want to try it out PM me your address with the dimensions you want (I usually leave a 1/8 - 3/16 inch border) and I'll send you up a square or two.

Chances are there'll be a place nearby to you though. Just look through the yellow pages for plastic sheet suppliers, or that sort of thing.  Most shops will cut it on premises for you.

The window stickers are Avory.  I use them as they're easy to get off (without damaging them) if you miss-align them.

[spudulike]

Gez - thanks for the offer, but I found I can get acrylic cut and bevelled dirt cheap at a small glaziers on the estate where I work  

I just got one of each  B and a BB sized pieces to hack with, only £3  :shock:

Thanks for the great idea, I also got some aluminium dummy panel fasteners from the electrical unit next door (5mm dia, knurled, with a 10mm M3 thread) for 20p each that will look cool as well  

[Melanhead]

hmmmm I've been using the caveman approach ... a black sharpie It does come off though if handled! ... I need to cover it up somehow ... Any advise on what to spray over it that won't eat the marker

Not that I want to get into selling pedals, but I did sell my first build to a friend... I didn't plan to but I lent it to him to see what he thought and he wanted to buy it! ... hmmm I guess I could make another

[nelson]

I use inkjet waterslide decals, I have had OK success, I even got a cool punk looking rat graphic on my rat pedal. I have painted my enclosures red but the dry time between all the coats, primer, red, decal, clear takes forever. From now on I am just going to sand decal and clear coat. It is alot simpler and all the colours of my decals will come through. Opening up alot more options for different Graphics. One problem I have had is that I sometimes get tiny little bubbles of air unerneath the decal and it messes up my otherwise perfect finish, anyone have any tips to avoid this? other than being REALLY careful.


My Muff is going to look like a clone of the Pi muff I have a decal done that looks exactly like the muff pedal except 1590b size. shoudl be very "cute".
   

[wampcat1]

hmmmm I've been using the caveman approach ... a black sharpie It does come off though if handled! ... I need to cover it up somehow ... Any advise on what to spray over it that won't eat the marker

Not that I want to get into selling pedals, but I did sell my first build to a friend... I didn't plan to but I lent it to him to see what he thought and he wanted to buy it! ... hmmm I guess I could make another

Instead of a perm marker, use a paint marker (you can get them at the craft section of wal-mart), simply paint on the box, and clear coat like normal. Works great -- I do this on my own personal boxes (not the ones I sale, though).

Thanks,
Brian

[gez]

This didn't turn out quite so well, but it's only for personal use...


Usually I use diecast boxes, I sand them, clean with acetone and the labels go on perfectly, no air bubbles.  This box was a cheapie from Maplin and, despite cleaning, there are a few air pockets...

The edges of the acrylic usually need sanding, but I was lazy so they're a bit ragged.

You can make out my reflection on the surface of the box and as you can see...I'm a Dalek!

[Melanhead]

hmmmm I've been using the caveman approach ... a black sharpie It does come off though if handled! ... I need to cover it up somehow ... Any advise on what to spray over it that won't eat the marker

Not that I want to get into selling pedals, but I did sell my first build to a friend... I didn't plan to but I lent it to him to see what he thought and he wanted to buy it! ... hmmm I guess I could make another

Instead of a perm marker, use a paint marker (you can get them at the craft section of wal-mart), simply paint on the box, and clear coat like normal. Works great -- I do this on my own personal boxes (not the ones I sale, though).

Thanks,
Brian

Thanks Brian! ...