Text and graphics on a painted surface

[RalfsB]

This is an area I am constantly struggling with and not really getting good results. Maybe you can share your favorite techniques?

Typically I am using 2-component polyurethane paint layer on the top of the epoxy layer. When the board is finished, I like to add some text (e.g. the name of my board) and some graphics. I have tried using stencils but it takes time to cut them out and the results look like ... made by using stencils. I have tried to sketch outlines by pencil and then paint the letters and graphics by a small paintbrush but I am a clumsy artist so again, lots of effort and not very good results.

My latest technique was to laser-print a mirror image of my graphics on a satin paper (semi transparent, does not absorb much glue), use a small paintbrush to put a thin layer of epoxy over parts that are covered with the printer toner, then place the sheets of paper on the board and let the epoxy harden. Then wet the paper and carefully rub it off. The toner/epoxy mix stays on the board, quite nice. The only problem is that epoxy also gets on the area around my graphics which does not look so nice so it needs to be removed (via fine wet-sanding etc. that takes work and there is a risk to damage graphics).

[longwhitecloud]

art pens? posta or whatever they called

[rynhardt]

Have a look at this:

viewtopic.php?f=107&t=2392390

[RalfsB]

Have a look at this:

viewtopic.php?f=107&t=2392390

Did not really understand from the thread how graphics were done but looks like there is a transparent layer on the top. I did not want a whole layer, just some small images/text on the top of the paint layer.

[zob]

Why not do it directly on the base, under FG fabric? And it would last longer!

[plummet]

I've done many techniques over the years from hand painting, spray paint, air brush, burning, rice paper, stensil, masking, free hand.

The easiest is rice paper under the glass if you have a light coloured background. Burning the coffin lid was amusing. For the best artistic results there is no getting around spending an insane amount of time using various techniques to get an awesome result. Well maybe there is. Build a graphic on the pc then get it printed in at your local signwriters. I haven't done that method. I go for gratuitous time spending of a manual paint job.

[RalfsB]

I've done many techniques over the years from hand painting, spray paint, air brush, burning, rice paper, stensil, masking, free hand.

The easiest is rice paper under the glass if you have a light coloured background. Burning the coffin lid was amusing. For the best artistic results there is no getting around spending an insane amount of time using various techniques to get an awesome result. Well maybe there is. Build a graphic on the pc then get it printed in at your local signwriters. I haven't done that method. I go for gratuitous time spending of a manual paint job.

Wow, you are really good at this; respect! I need to work on my artistic skills