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Image transfer techniques

Posted by Nine Tails on July 7, 2013 at 8:19pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

Hi All!

I am plotting out my first CBG build. With my minimal experience with woodworking , I am trying to understand if there are any techniques I can use to transfer Images to the box. Mark introduced me to a brilliant technique using decals + lacquer spray. I am also looking at gel medium , but it seems to involve going to the water park (which I am trying to avoid). So are there any techniques you guys turn to to add a personal touch to your CBG?


Many thanks!

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Replies

  • Mark Lindsay July 22, 2013 at 2:11pm

    Here's the process I use...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj3X0vLWtEY

    There is a caveat, however: I learned the hard way that the toner in Brother laser printers isn't compatible with this process. I've tried everything from Acetone to Xylene, and it just doesn't want to come off the paper. All isn't lost, however. I further found out that photocopier toner works very well. So, if you have a Brother laser printer or an ink jet printer, just print out a page full of the transfers that you'd like to make, then photocopy it and use the photocopy.

  • Groucho July 15, 2013 at 1:40am

    There is a process called Decoupage that I learned way back in Cub Scouts.  You use a special glue (decoupage glue) to adhere and coat pictures onto wood, etc.  You can buy it at a hobby store.

     

    My buddy Jimbo made a Jamesons guitar for a work buddy using this technique.......

     

    306095235?profile=original306095889?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

  • RTZGUITARS July 14, 2013 at 2:27pm

    I have tied and I have Failed but I will try again.

  • Clarky July 12, 2013 at 5:38am

    On my recent ones I've got into woodburning, so similar to above I print off what image I want, reverse it, then I get the iron and just iron on the image, and then go over the lines with the woodburner.  Had great results so far.

    • tdq > Clarky July 12, 2013 at 2:23pm

      Was this with an inkjet or laser printer?

      • Clarky > tdq July 12, 2013 at 2:25pm
        Laser printer.
        • Dan Trommater > Clarky July 12, 2013 at 2:55pm

          The laser printer toner is heat soluble, so it makes sense that an iron would to the trick.  Good thinking!

  • Piht Bull (Delta Dawg Guitars) July 8, 2013 at 8:38pm

    I use this for really clean images .

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diRb7jseUCw&feature=share&li...

  • Nine Tails July 8, 2013 at 6:40pm

    Those are both techniques which I'll try for sure... many thanks!

  • Dan Trommater July 8, 2013 at 8:43am

    I learned a very simple technique while in photography school.  You'll need some solvent and a laser printer.  You could probably just get a bottle of xylene, but it's pretty nasty stuff so I suggest that you go to an art supply store and get yourself a Chartpak Colorless Blender marker. - http://www.amazon.com/Chartpak-Ad-Markers-Colorless-Blender/dp/B002... .  This "marker" is actually just a felt tipped marker body filled with xylene.  

    Print whatever you like on the laser printer.  If there are any words in your design, be sure to adjust the print settings so the image prints backwards (mirror image).  Cut out the design to within 1/4 inch, then use masking tape to stick the paper (image down) onto whatever you're transferring.  

    In small sections, apply the xylene to the paper, then rub with the back of a spoon.  The xylene melts the laser toner and the rubbing adheres it to the surface.

    I've only ever tried this with B&W laser prints, but it may also work with color.

    You can see this in process in this image - http://instagram.com/p/VSE55GkDVZ/

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