Reproducing graphics on a dark surface

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Can I pick your brains.

I am currently finishing off a hit & miss engine which is painted red and I need to add some yellow writing to the side. The casting kit includes some naff stickers which I'd rather not use so am looking for other options.

I have tried the print yourself waterslide transfers but the yellow is too weak when printed on clear and I don't want to have to cut out individual letters if I use the white version.

There is a kit for making dry transfers much like letraset that are said to work on a dark background, has anyone tried this method or can suggest something else, I don't want to use vinyl as it sticks up.

Thanks, J

[Cornish JackParticipant @cornishjack]

Jason

Sticky labels?? When I was into aero-modelling, we used to make quite complex transfers from standard luggage sticky labels. Apply the design to the glue side of the label, spray a thin coat of polyurethane (or similar) varnish. Allow to dry. When ready to apply to the model, use like waterslide transfers – float on water surface until the paper backing has loosened, handle with fine paintbrush or similar, apply and allow to dry.

There may be better alternatives nowadays.

Rgds

Bill

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

I think wolfie has a solution to this…but the reverse print on paper label. .sounds intresting..
I once coated film with pva to provide print surface. .peels off with luck. .print loads yield is low…

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

The problem is the printer ink is not opaque enough to work on a dark surface, the clear film you buy to print on works fine on a light surface but the ones I printed in yellow and tried to lay onto red were all but invisible. Black onto brass works OK, this is 3/4" dia

The one I linked to above bonds the pigment to a white base coat which is opaque and blocks out the colour below

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

Yellow inkjet ink relies on the white paper reflecting light back up through it for its brightness. If you could get a silk screen made up and print white and then yellow on top you could get a decent result.

Neil

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