Replies

  • Mike Strehlow November 22, 2013 at 11:35pm

    Here is the finished uke with the picture of dragons.  I used a thermal transfer method using my wife's iron. (Don't tell her!) 

    Thanks for all your suggestions.

    306185600?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024306186699?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

    • Barsymes Cratchnee > Mike Strehlow December 12, 2013 at 3:26am

      Again,

      I just love the way this turned out on your box.  I love the aged look of it...so natural.   Any chance you could share your thermal transfer method?  

      Thanks

    • Mike Strehlow > Barsymes Cratchnee December 12, 2013 at 4:46pm

      It is pretty easy actually.  

      1. Print a picture on paper using a laser printer.  Ink jet won't work for this technique.  
      2.  Make sure the surface of the wood is clean and smooth.  Use 220 grit sandpaper and wipe it clean with a damp sponge or towel.  Let it dry completely.
      3. Lay the paper face down on the object you want to transfer the picture to. The image will be transferred reversed so be sure that will work.  If not most printers have a mirror image setting that can be used to print the picture backwards.
      4. During the transfer you will need to lift the paper off the box occasionally to check the image then place it back exactly where it was to continue. To do this tape one edge of the paper down to form a hinge.  
      5. Use a clothes iron set on cotton (very hot) and move it slowly across the paper starting in the center near the tape. Move it outward toward the edges without creating any wrinkles.
      6. Check your progress often and make sure the image is completely transferred.  If it needs more lay the paper back down and go over it again.

      I learned to do this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0oK1CEQRM0

      There are also ways to do this using clear coat spray paint and glue.  Some like it better.  I guess it depends on the look you want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSfj6eiNzew

      Post your results so we can see how it goes for you.

    • Barsymes Cratchnee > Mike Strehlow December 12, 2013 at 8:03pm

      Awesome!!  Thanks

    • the anonymous pick > Mike Strehlow November 22, 2013 at 11:55pm

      cool  ..  subtle  ..     but  nice and warm  .

  • Mike Strehlow November 11, 2013 at 2:21am

    Thanks for all the help and suggestions.  I found a pic I really like.  I think it will look great on a box.

    306181341?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024

    • Barsymes Cratchnee > Mike Strehlow December 10, 2013 at 2:21am

      Wow!! I love that pic.  I may have to use that on my current build.

    • Mike Strehlow > Barsymes Cratchnee December 10, 2013 at 11:09am

      Thanks! I like the way it came out.  I think I said somewhere it would work better on lighter wood, like maple. 

    • Thomas "Duck" Petry > Mike Strehlow November 11, 2013 at 9:43am

      Gotta agree with that...Great picture!

  • jamie bark November 10, 2013 at 2:15pm

    a wood burned image would look cool too...

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