BEST decal technique

[DanAngus]

hey guys,

i just want to know what you guys think is the BEST way to put decals/lettering on your pedals.

Like the name of the pedal,

Tone
Attack

etc

[BubbaKahuna]

Personally I never decal anything.
Etching is permanent, easier & faster.

[Pushtone]

This is one of those questions that asks the question: what is best.

Lets see..., what's best?
What's the best computer, best car, best house, boat, gun?

If all you have access to is a B+W laserprinter,
than whats best might not be best for someone who only has an ink jet.

When you get down to brass tacks, you will find the decisions you make, the skills you posses,
and the equipment available to you will lead to a suitable media.

Decisions like:
What do I want my pedal to look like?
What colors do I want?
Will it have a cool theme like PBR or your favorite super hero? (see the PICTURES! thread)

Skills like:
Comp graphic programs.
And patiences, really, to be frank, and lots of it,
especially with the USPS while you wait for that special ink jet waterslide decal paper to come in.
On top of that, the clear coat finishes I've used take two weeks minimum to dry!
We are taking a four week turn around. YIKEs, (oh forgot I can use a smiley for that) 

Available Equipment:.
Ink jet,
Laser,
Chemical?


Personally, if I want a high graphic content I go to Staples and get a $2.50 color laser print from my digital file.
The toner is more resistant to the clear spray bomb than ink. I clear coat it slowly, over the entire day, with 3/4 of a spray bomb.

Here are the relevant links for painting, etching, t-shirt transfer and laminating.




I've also done something similar to A BOX IN A DAY as described over at www.beavisaudio.com





But why not leave it plain. 

[DanAngus]

This is one of those questions that asks the question: what is best.

Lets see..., what's best?
What's the best computer, best car, best house, boat, gun?

If all you have access to is a B+W laserprinter,
than whats best might not be best for someone who only has an ink jet.

When you get down to brass tacks, you will find the decisions you make, the skills you posses,
and the equipment available to you will lead to a suitable media.

Decisions like:
What do I want my pedal to look like?
What colors do I want?
Will it have a cool theme like PBR or your favorite super hero? (see the PICTURES! thread)

Skills like:
Comp graphic programs.
And patiences, really, to be frank, and lots of it,
especially with the USPS while you wait for that special ink jet waterslide decal paper to come in.
On top of that, the clear coat finishes I've used take two weeks minimum to dry!
We are taking a four week turn around. YIKEs, (oh forgot I can use a smiley for that) 

Available Equipment:.
Ink jet,
Laser,
Chemical?


Personally, if I want a high graphic content I go to Staples and get a $2.50 color laser print from my digital file.
The toner is more resistant to the clear spray bomb than ink. I clear coat it slowly, over the entire day, with 3/4 of a spray bomb.

Here are the relevant links for painting, etching, t-shirt transfer and laminating.




I've also done something similar to A BOX IN A DAY as described over at www.beavisaudio.com





But why not leave it plain. 

Yea, im not all about graphics and pictures, but more words. like a basic boss pedal is exactly what i want

I have an HP office jet all in one printer, im not sure if that will do the trick?

[demonstar]

I print onto decal paper with an ink jet then varnish several thin coats.  Next I apply the the pedal and then varnish whole pedal.

There is a pedal in my gallery i did like this...

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/Demonstars-Gallery/

The amp decals were done that way too. I varnished the 'thin coats' prior to applying a bit thick on the amp though.

I use the clear decal paper not the white.

If you want to know more give me a shout and I can provide you with more info.