Writing on Case work

[TimN]

Can anybody advise the best way to put lettering or writing onto casework and make it look good - i.e. not felt tip pen?

The example I am working on at the moment is powder coated steel but it would also be good to know how to do it on brushed aluminum or alloy such as the facia of WD amp cases.

[bob orbell]

You need someone with a CNC laser printer although it may not work on powder coating. I made a aluminium front panel for my Linn Lingo PSU and a local firm did the logo and writing, very good. Bob

[Mark]

Tim,

I haven't tried it, but I did a fair amount of online research into ink jet printed water slide transfers. You can buy small quantities of the paper relatively inexpensively online to experiment. IIRC you spray it with a lacquer after printing to stop the ink running.

I have used a small CNC machining company to make front and back panels. They have the capability to print whatever you want onto aluminium. I can point you to them if you are interested.

Mark

[TimN]

Thanks both, but the CNC printing and machining sounds a bit expensive although I think they probably are the Rolls Royce solutions.

I was looking for something I could do myself, so the ink jet water slide transfers sound just the thing. Do you have any details of that you could pass to me please, Mark? What is IIRC?

Thanks

Tim

[Fred Shaw]

Hi Tim,

I have successfully used Letraset(?) on aluminium front panels. It is not that hard wearing and will be rubbed off if one is not careful, but it has lasted 2 years or more on the front panel. I suspect a clear varnish would offer some protection. One up-side to it coming off relatively easily is that it can be removed or changed as you wish. 😉

[TimN]

Originally Posted by Fred Shaw

Hi Tim,

I have successfully used Letraset(?) on aluminium front panels. It is not that hard wearing and will be rubbed off if one is not careful, but it has lasted 2 years or more on the front panel. I suspect a clear varnish would offer some protection. One up-side to it coming off relatively easily is that it can be removed or changed as you wish. 😉

Wow, Letraset. Now, that takes me back! Definitely worth considering! I didn't realise it was still available.

[Greg.]

Letraset is fiddly but cheap although hard to get a professional finish. Spray lacquer over it for protection.
IIRC=If I Recall Correctly

[TimN]

I recall using Letraset at school. Most of it ended up stuck to me!

[Mark]

Tim,

If you Google "ink jet waterslide transfer decals tutorial" you will find lots of tutorials. The thing to get right IIRC is the lacquer over the ink before you put it in the saucer of water to float it off the backing paper (remember your Airfix kits). Also remember that a lot of useful experience is uploaded by Americans for whom the word is "decal", not "transfer" :-). If you search Amazon for the same thing you will get pages of them. You can get 10 A4 sheets for about £8. You may find it cheaper on that well-known internet auction site.

Have fun !

Mark

[TimN]

Originally Posted by Mark

Tim,

If you Google "ink jet waterslide transfer decals tutorial" you will find lots of tutorials. The thing to get right IIRC is the lacquer over the ink before you put it in the saucer of water to float it off the backing paper (remember your Airfix kits). Also remember that a lot of useful experience is uploaded by Americans for whom the word is "decal", not "transfer" :-). If you search Amazon for the same thing you will get pages of them. You can get 10 A4 sheets for about £8. You may find it cheaper on that well-known internet auction site.

Have fun !

Mark

Thanks very much.