Effects pedal decals

[tubenit]

Well, I discovered a very inexpensive and I think (?) durable way to put a finish on top of an effects pedal.

Create your design and print off an accurate paper copy and check it against the pedal and holes you've drilled.

Then make a "overhead transparency" copy. This cost me $1.71 at an Office Max.

Now glue those together with a spray can of 3M adhesive with a light spray coat of the adhesive. One coat on the decal side of the paper and then laminate the transparency over that. Line up the transparency with the paper copy.

Let that dry for 15 min.  Now, spray the back of the paper and laminate this on the top of your effects pedal. It bonds quite well.

After it dries, then get an exacto knife and cut out the holes.  This is all very very easy to do!

Anyhow, for those on a budget .................. this will allow you to put virtually any kind of picture on your effects pedal that you would want.

In the photo, the tranparency is obviously on the left.  The "decal" on the right is paper with a tranparency laminated over it with 3M spray adhesive.

With respect, Tubenit

[Willabe]

Hey those look great T!

I'm gonna have to try that some day. I bet it would work for an amps face plate. Thanks for sharing.


             Brad     

[Lucifer]

Hi,

Thanks for your great idea.  Love your graphic designs too.

Maybe a naiive question, but couldn't you just print the design on paper and then stick a clear transparency sheet over the top ?

I'm not getting why you would need to print the design on paper AND on the transparency.

You could save 50% of your ink, AND do away with the alignment process (with its possible ghosting effects if the alignment isn't perfect).

Am I missing something ? [possibly my brain]

[tubenit]

couldn't you just print the design on paper and then stick a clear transparency sheet over the top

Fair question. However, the 3M spray adhesive is not totally a super clear adhesive. It's mostly clear but with a tiny bit of milky-ness (which shows up easily if you spray it too thick.)

So, also having the image on a transparency sheet helps keep a nice intense color on the final product, that would probably NOT be there simply using a clear transparency over it.  Remember there is a adhesive/glue between the paper and the transparency that would lessen the intensity of the color image. The transparency pages only cost me $1.71, so I'm not worried about trying to "save" ink.

Aligning the two images was NOT a problem at all. I found it quite easy to do.

With respect, Tubenit

[Lucifer]

Thanks Tubenit.

Good answer.

Respect to you too bro.