How DO they dooo that?

[nelson]

Lately I have been drooling over the enclosures at Tonesafari and www.swankbox.com

Here is an example of the work.





My question is, does anyone have any idea how they do that?

Its absolutely stunning.

[markm]

Design sanded into the top of the enclosure and top-coated with a "candy" or transparent color.
Just a guess but, very nice looking none-the-less

[$uperpuma]

holographic paper cut to size and clear coated?

[MartyMart]

"two tone" metallic car spray paint, "swirled" whilst still very wet .....
MM.

[burnt fingers]

I believe markm is right.  I think they send the boxes to someone for the metal work and then do the paint themselves.  I actually used to work with Adam from swankbox about ten years ago.  We had a little chat at Namm this year and this was something he did out of his own madness.  he comes up with crazy ideas and gets his partner, who is the piant guy to paint them.  Great guy, nice boxes. 

Scott

[RDV]

Uh... Photoshop?

RDV

[amz-fx]

None of the above.

This type of painting was pioneered by Donner, and he has never revealed his technique...  I had to figure it out for myself:



-Jack

[amz-fx]

A different pedal pic:

http://70.159.131.70/Relief2.jpg

regards, Jack

[$uperpuma]

that power supply looks great...

[markm]

Maybe they're air-brushing a pearl pattern undercoat  with a candy topcoat.
Interesting never-the less though.

[Skreddy]

Thanks for the link to that Guitar Player article, Jack.  I never did find that in the magazine last year.

Anyhow, it was my understanding that Bjorn of BJF showed Donner that metal technique, and it is a trade secret.  I've tried to ask, and I've tried to research it myself.  Still no idea.  Beautiful, though.  Yes, some kind of sanding tip on a Dremel would do substantially the sameish thing.  But clearly that is not what Donner and BJ are doing.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Maybe two paints, mixed on the box by a brush. One paint has the aluminum flake.

[amz-fx]

that power supply looks great...

Thanks!  That power supply is now on the pedalboard of a certain Mr. Keeley 

Anyhow, it was my understanding that Bjorn of BJF showed Donner that metal technique, and it is a trade secret.  I've tried to ask, and I've tried to research it myself.  Still no idea.  Beautiful, though.  Yes, some kind of sanding tip on a Dremel would do substantially the sameish thing.  But clearly that is not what Donner and BJ are doing.

I never asked, so it took a lot of experimentation for me to figure out how to do it...  here is a closeup of the two versions of the delay that I made - birdseye vs. flame:



regards, Jack

[gez]

Maybe two paints, mixed on the box by a brush. One paint has the aluminum flake.

I also think it's two paints: the first (lighter) is allowed to dry a fair bit before the second (darker) is applied.  As you point out, a brush could 'lift' areas of the darker paint when it's applied...resulting in those patterns?

Close??

[Pushtone]

My eight year old gets an effect very close to this by blowing with a straw on to a surface with two coats of paint. With an air compressor I would imagine it could be done with automotive paint. Then into an oven to smooth out surface ripples.

Am I close Jack?

[Skreddy]

Kudos, Jack!  You appear to have cracked the code.  I'll let Donner retain the title of "master" of that technique, though.  His particular artistry is unparalleled.

[gez]

I tell you what.  Although these boxes look nice, I'd love to see real sunburst/flame-top finishes on wooden enclosures.  Bookmarking would be possible with laminates 'no problem' (I haven't got a clue how to finish wood).

[$uperpuma]

Basicaudio could probably make that happen...his wooden enclosures are nice..

[Skreddy]

Another Donner box...

[$uperpuma]

is that simulated binding? thats niiiice!