Paint/Vinyl on an ABS Hard Case?

[simpy1]

Has anyone painted their bass's hard case?

I was thinking it'd be cool to have my band's name painted vertically down my bass case, which is always behind me at a gig. I don't know what sort of paint would stick on though! I'm surprised that my searches came up with nothing!

A friend recommended I go to somewhere that does vinyl stickers, and they could cut out the design out of vinyl, and stick that on, which would look really professional.

Anyone done anything like this? (and I don't mean just putting on your favourite band's stickers!!!)

[mike phillips]

i dont see why vinyl wouldnt work. if the surface is clean it will stick until you want it off. another plus vinyl has over paint, it comes off alot easier than paint. i would go to a place that uses 3m vinyl. quality stuff. hope this helps.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Problem with vinyl is if its a bumpy surface, like alot of the ABS style cases are, it doesnt stick aswell, it should be completelly smooth for vinyl to work well

[mike phillips]

apply with a hair dryer or carefully with a heat gun. it will settle the vinyl into the textured surface. it also helps to install with a small amount of windex to help get the air bubbles out.

[Baa]

If it´s a textured surface, i would apply the vinyl without liquid under it, then heat it up just a little, and press it into the surface. If you apply with water and have some left under the sticker it can expand and you get HUGE bubbles. Don´t bother with the small bubbles you get, they disappear. I have a sticker on one of my hardcases since -90, and it still looks good. I decorate cars and stuff with vinyl for a living since -88, so you could probably trust me on this one.

If it´s a smooth/even surface, just apply (perhaps with water and a little liquid soap or something like that) and poke the bubbles you might get with a needle to let the air out.
It will never stand as much abuse as paint, but in my opinion you get a better look.