Graphics on enclosures

[cooper1101]

Hello. Maybe this has already been asked before somewhere on the internet, but I have not found it (and believe me I tried). How do you make custom graphics onto aluminum enclosures?

http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w375/pakrat70/SEVENLEAF%20EFFECTS/BLACK%20FOREST/Black_Forest_zps3b1990e1.jpg
http://www.guitariste.com/forums/photos/192125-1-big.jpg

Something like this? So far I tried etching with electricity and salt water, but I would like to get pretty pictures on my pedals. Is this some kind of transfer paper or something? Maybe there is a good topic about this that escaped me. I would be very thankful if someone shared any info on this.

[negativefx]

Ordered most home/diy friendly to least:

Sharpie
Label Maker
Hand Paint
Waterslide Decal
Screenprint
Laser Etch
Acid Wash

[Beaker]

Water slide decal sheet is a good place to start.

Easy to use, cheap, and you only need an inkjet printer. Works well on raw unpainted enclosures, as well as painted ones.

A few coats of spray lacquer over the top and you are done.

[cooper1101]

Thank You for the replies. I guess I will try waterslide method!

[Freppo]

I've been using the toner transfer method.
It's dirt cheap if you have a laser-printer!



Here's one example


But waterslide decals are easy to get good results with too

[rocket88]

I'm planning on using this on my painted boxes.



should be quick and easy to make the screen, and inexpensive.

Freppo, what paper have you used or the toner transfer? I've been curious about doing that on some unpainted boxes, but haven't the right paper like in the video.

[Freppo]

Nice tutorial on the screen printing. I'll have a go at that :)

I recycle :) Using pages from old magazines.. regular glossy thin magazin-paper.
I choose pages with mostly text. Since the old prints is using ink it stays on.