Pedal Builders -- How do you do graphics?

[doctec]

I've built a few pedals in the past and have always done the control labels / graphics with rub-on letters or (cringe) a sharpie marker. Right now I've got a design that I think I want to make a few copies of, possibly to sell and I'd like to do a more 'professional-looking' job on the graphics.

Do most folks do some sort of a silk-screen process? Do you have decals made or something like that? Or are there places that do this sort of thing for you? Any insight is appreciated.

[OptimusPrime]

Quick question. How are lettering and graphics done on professional real brand pedals?

[i2k]

Pro pedal makers use silk screen, too expensive & complex for DIYers.
I used inkjet decal paper, the result looks like this :

[doctec]

This is cool, i2k -- Can you tell me more about how you do this?

[Jimbob Jones]

I found this...don't know if it helps.

http://smallbox.zeonhost.com/project...ing/index.html

[lunarpollen]

I imagine you could submit your pedal artwork to a professional duplicator and have it printed on some kind of durable adhesive label material (PVC?) for an almost professional result... Or, for more of a "homestyle" approach, print them with a color laser printer on good-quality label stock, stick them to the pedals, and then spray a clear protective fixative over them to prevent scratching, water damage, etc.

[gibsualdo]

I found this thread over on the BYOC forums that might provide some help.

http://www.buildyourownclone.com/boa...php?f=9&t=8896

[Wren and Cuff]

"real" graphics are done with a silkscreen. You pay someone to make the screen paint it etc. It's pretty expensive.

2 other ways:

Get laser printer label paper (do a search for "smallbear"), then clear-coat. This is a bit labour intensive, and plan on screwing up the first couple times. Some do it really well, it's an art form in itself...

other way is to have a quality rectangular sticker made. Have all your pot ID's (vol, fuzz, etc.), in's and out's, pedal name etc. on there. Don't cheap out, get nice metallic stickers made, or whatever you like. You also have to get pretty creative to make all your info fit onto the sticker, but if you do it right, it looks really sharp.

good luck,

matt

[i2k]

Originally Posted by doctec

This is cool, i2k -- Can you tell me more about how you do this?

I use dry rub off inkjet decal paper. I bought it here : http://www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk...D=166&CatID=17

Create the graphic with Gimp (free Photoshop) and print it using cheap HP inkjet printer.

I prefer this than label paper as this decal is very thin, so the result looks like painted on the box. It "blends" perfectly with the box. They have 2 flavor : white and clear, just read the instruction on that site.