madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: aballen on January 02, 2013, 04:07:57 AM

Title: White lettering
Post by: aballen on January 02, 2013, 04:07:57 AM
How do you do it?  I typically use laser water slides..., but sometimes rather than a fancy graphic I just want some white lettering on a dark colored pedal.
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: irmcdermott on January 02, 2013, 04:55:31 AM
Quote from: aballen on January 02, 2013, 04:07:57 AM
How do you do it?  I typically use laser water slides..., but sometimes rather than a fancy graphic I just want some white lettering on a dark colored pedal.

I and a lot of others use this (http://www.pulsarprofx.com/decalpro/). There is a big learning curve, and it's frustrating at times, but the results are so worth it.

Here is the latest white lettering/graphic I did for a Timmy/ZenDrive dual pedal that I'm working on.

(http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy207/irmcdermott/photo-2_zps347fa361.jpg)
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: angrykoko on January 02, 2013, 01:22:24 PM
My wife has one of these that I use to make them.
http://silhouetteamerica.com/silhouetteCameo.aspx (http://silhouetteamerica.com/silhouetteCameo.aspx)
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: aballen on January 02, 2013, 03:48:35 PM
Wow, that seems pricey.  I have a laminator, but its looks like ~$90 in supplies to put white lettering on a few pedals.

Does this stuff hold up to heat?  Can I put a clear powder coat over it?
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: irmcdermott on January 02, 2013, 03:56:20 PM
As far as the Pulsar, yes. I clear powder over all of mine. They are really durable after they sit for a couple of days, and some members who powdercoat say that they don't because its durable. I just do for peace of mind.

The guy who makes the system (who you will always talk to when you call or email) said you can shoot clear and bake it right after application. I wait a couple of days to let the graphic set so that I can use some rubbing alcohol to remove some of the adhesive residue that is often left. Then I clear.
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: Haberdasher on January 02, 2013, 04:17:00 PM
if you just want to do white lettering you wouldn't have to buy the whole pulsar kit.  I think you could just get by with his transfer paper, the white pigment and the clear mylar film.  the adhesive spray you can get a michael's or joann fabrics.  the blue tape can be had from lowe's, home depot, etc.  I haven't used the system in a while so if i'm leaving something out please correct me.
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: aballen on January 02, 2013, 04:57:38 PM
I may be missing something, I'm just reading up on the process.

I think I need

1) the blue TTF paper for printing(looks like the same stuff used for PCB making)
2) the white foil, to transfer to the laser printed letters
3) mylar, to transfer the letters to
4) carrier, for passing through the laminator
5) spray adhesive
6) tape
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: Haberdasher on January 02, 2013, 05:07:32 PM
oops yeah, I left out the carrier.  you definitely need that.
I think you've got it there, as long as you have a laminator that will do the job.  and a decent laser printer that uses good toner.  from what I read, the brother laser printers won't get it done.

btw, forum member fastocker says that the light silver foil looks almost like white lettering too.  just another alternative I guess.  I haven't tested it myself.
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: irmcdermott on January 02, 2013, 05:44:27 PM
Yeah, i agree with fastrocker in that the light silver is a little easier to work with than the white. It does look like a really light gray/white. Here is one that I did with the light silver foil.

(http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy207/irmcdermott/Pedals/photo3-1.jpg)
Title: Re: White lettering
Post by: Haberdasher on January 03, 2013, 12:46:38 AM
wow, that does look white.  I like it