Dry transfer process
Thanks to all who've replied here. Lots of great ideas & vendor possibilities here.
But I'm still not sure what a "dry transfer" is. Is this something you transfer by applying pressure, or rubbing thru the back of a transfer media to get the markings in place? Then a clear coat over for protection?
Its too late for me to engrave, since I'm already in paint. Seems like I'm going to have to apply some sort of marking on top of the paint that's already there.
I'll get some pics up on this thread when possible....
Bill,
With normal decals you print an image on special decal paper, then you soak the decal in water and slide the image onto the final surface. You've probably done this building models. The problem is that there is a carrier holding the image, and you can usually see the carrier, the same as a label printed on clear labels. I have experimented with normal decals, and you can get pretty good results, but there's always that backing that shows up.
The DecalPro process is a little more involved, but yields outstanding results, once you get the process down. Basically, you print you image on special paper using a laser printer. Then you fuse colored foil to the image using colored foils and a laminator. The paper backing is removed by soaking in water (like the normal decals), which leaves you with a clear carrier that contains the image to transfer (back of image is exposed). Then you spray a light coat of glue onto the back of the image. Finally, you press the image onto the final surface.
I know this seems like a lot of work, but it produces excellent results, and it is still quite a bit easier than silkscreening.
Some of my experiments with this process can be seen at:
http://www.trv7.com/
Click on "Extra Credit" in the main menu, then click on "Instrument Panel Labels" on the next page.
Also, see Bill Repucci's website at:
http://www.repucci.com/bill/instruments.html
Another builder did a pretty good job of documenting several processes that he tried, before using Decal Pro. See
http://www.4sierratango.com/
Cheers,
Tracy.