Casting with decals

[pensmyth]

I want to try some casting of Sierra size blanks. I want to make a decal of the antique fire truck club logo I belong to then place it on a colored tube and cast it in clear PR. In reading up on making the decals you need to "seal" the decal to set it. Some have used clear acrylic spray to do this. If I set these decals with an acrylic spray will it react with the PR when I pour it?

 

[NewLondon88]

Some have used clear acrylic spray to do this. If I set these decals with an acrylic spray will it react with the PR when I pour it?

The short answer is 'maybe'

It would depend on the spray, how well it cures and the particular resin.
In theory, it should be good. But most of us aren't all that patient and tend
to rush things to get to the next step. I'd say try it out without wasting
anything good.. small piece of decal, scrap wood, spray, dry and cast. See
what happens.
You might find that the acrylic spray isn't compatible with the decal, or that
the spray reacts with the resin, or the heat of the resin warps the decal.
A lot will depend on the brands you are using and how well they work
together. Usually the decal manufacturer will specify a particular spray
so you can start there.

 

[PTownSubbie]

I want to try some casting of Sierra size blanks. I want to make a decal of the antique fire truck club logo I belong to then place it on a colored tube and cast it in clear PR. In reading up on making the decals you need to "seal" the decal to set it. Some have used clear acrylic spray to do this. If I set these decals with an acrylic spray will it react with the PR when I pour it?

I have never had a problem with the sealers. In fact, if I don't seal them, they seem to fade.

Just how it works for me. It may be different for others. Casting labels is a lot lile the CA finish.....Everyone has their way that works.

Do some testing and see what works for the way you do it.

 

[sekach]

Why not just print your logo on a label and put that on your tube? I tried the decal route when I first started pouring and had way more failures than success, whether it was from the paint, the decal, the PR not adhering to the tube, etc. I switched to using labels and have had way more success. As long as you have a good printer you are set. The one drawback with the label is the seam but that can usually be hidden under the clip without any drawbacks. If you do try labels just remember to paint your tube first or the brass will show through on occasion (similar to what wet paper looks like, partially transparent). That does not happen if the tube is painted. Hope this helps...

Bob

 

[pensmyth]

Thanks guys. I guess its time for a little R&D in the shop I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[jocat54]

I made my first, yesterday, used a label printed on my inkjet printer. It was just an experiment, a picture of one of my granddaughters. I didn't seal the label just stuck it on the tube and cast it in clear PR. I think it turned out okay--my wife really liked it.

It really brings up a lot of possiblities.

Good luck,

John

 

[PTownSubbie]

Just to clarify things a bit.....

Decals are usually applied after your material is turned. Decals are normally of the water-slide type.

Labels are essentially the same labels you use for addressing an envelope.

Their uses are totally different. Just wanted to clarify what we were talking about. Labels or Decals?

 

[sekach]

I guess it is really up to the user. Whether they want to put someting over wood (decals are the way) vs pouring acrylics (then labels are the way). I guess to each his own. I just know I dealt with a lot of problems that I was never able to fix with decals and putting a finish over the decal. As for labels and acryilcs, I have experienced way few problems getting the result with a lot more versatility. Again, it's up to what the user has in mind for his/her idea on making the pen in the vision they see.

 

[AceMrFixIt]

I do alot with decals and if you dont seal it it may run the colors. I experamented with the sealed decal on the tube and cast in PR and it worked great. Just make sure you have a way to prevent or reduce bubbles. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

Painted tube, sealed decal.

 

[TBCbushings]

Labels....

I used an inkjet label for this Laser pointer. I sealed it with CA glue before casting..