Thread: Can you transfer decals onto wood?

I haven't used them myself but some of the pen makers print stuff up on water slide decals and transfer them to pen tubes and cast / finish over the top. Should work for what you want too. They come as A4 sheets and you can print them on a standard ink jet printer. Not sure where you get them but if you pop over to the pen forum and search on water slide decals you should find some info.

cheers
WH

Thanks for that. What's the URL of the pen forum?

You can buy adhesive printable sheets (Avery Products), stick them on your timber then clear glaze over the lot.
Cheers
Wolffie

Do they look ok? Can you see the sticker edges once you've varnished over the top?

Originally Posted by brettule

Thanks for that. What's the URL of the pen forum?

It's one of the sub forums under the wood turning forum.

WOODTURNING - PEN TURNING - Woodwork Forums

cheers
WH

Have you considered having the timber laser engraved?
Not sure how big your console is, but you could probably find someone nearby who could do it for you. (trophy manufacturers are a good start)
Here are some pics of the room signs for our B&B. Each room themed after a Tassie timber - name plaques are made in that timber.
You can create your own artwork, convert it to a PDF & the laser engraver will "print" (burn) it on your timber. Altering the laser power will vary the depth of the engraving.
Permanent and no problems putting a finish over it.

Hi Brettule,
This earlier thread may help;

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/he...lywood-119994/

but you can often help yourself by using the search button above,

fletty

One trick I picked up making plastic model kits is that waterslide decals are quite glossy. If you want the edges to disappear, best way is to make sure they go down on a gloss surface, so clear gloss finish the timber first, put the decal on, and the clear finish over the top.

Brettule,
the engraved wood looks nicer but here is a way I have made labels in the past:

1. Print your label full size on ordinary paper (with font and borders you want).
2. Lay it up in a lamination of fibre glass.
3. After it cures, cut out the labels to the required size

if you want a glossy finish lay the label face down on a sheet of glass as first laminate layer and build up about 2-3 layers of glass cloth on that (careful cos this way is easy to get bubbles between the paper and glass sheet which will ruin the label)

if you want a matt finish make the paper last layer, face up on the glass cloth laminations.

You can glue them where you want or allow enough material around the edges to have screw holes.

Regards
SWK

Hello, I know you are in Melb. but this guy is really good:
Advanced Laser Signs