Silkscreening panel labels

[fastj22]

Anyone done this? I've found a few google hits on home grown label transfers using hair gel on inkjet printed plastic, but I can't get good results. So I'm down the path of making a silkscreen. I've called a few local silkscreen shops and they haven't been helpful unless I want to have it transferred on a tee shirt. Typical question (You want to do what? We don't do that.)
So a few more searches and some youtube and I've come across this kit. Speedball SilkScreen kit using a photo emulsion to transfer the image to the screen.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00251JO8G/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I've watched their videos and it seems like its possible. Only $45 so its not a bank breaker.

Thoughts?

[mike.smith]

I had my stuff engraved onto a plastic material and then stuck on my panel with epoxy or double-sided tape. Was not expensive at all.
http://www.engravers.net/materials.html
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 087&row=19

[fastj22]

I had my stuff engraved onto a plastic material and then stuck on my panel with epoxy or double-sided tape. Was not expensive at all.
http://www.engravers.net/materials.html
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 087&row=19

My Model A has that, but this time I want a more standard aircraft look. The RV guys go round and round about this and I really hate going into that pit of vipers.

[9GT]

On my RV-10, I did clear water slide transfer labels with black lettering that I typed up on my computer and had SteinAir print them out for me. You just cut the labels out, soak in in warm water, slide in place, blot up any access water, then let it dry. I then top coated my panel in clear. Fairly professional results and cheap. Ill be doing the same on my -9A
DSC01553 by David C, on Flickr

[Fastcapy]

I've called a few local silkscreen shops and they haven't been helpful unless I want to have it transferred on a tee shirt.

The place I get my shirts printed for my balloon ride business said they have done panels people have brought in before they were installed in the plane.

I have to stop in there again soon and can ask if they will do up a screen and sell it as is. They are only a mile from the airport so you could maybe work it out to get it done and ready to pick up at AV19.

As for the screen kit, I tried one once before and it was not a good experience. I may not have been doing it correctly but I gave up on it and never finished the project I got it for. It was a lot more work than I expected and wasn't user friendly. That was a number of years ago so they might be better now however.

[fastj22]

On my RV-10, I did clear water slide transfer labels with black lettering that I typed up on my computer and had SteinAir print them out for me. You just cut the labels out, soak in in warm water, slide in place, blot up any access water, then let it dry. I then top coated my panel in clear. Fairly professional results and cheap. Ill be doing the same on my -9A
DSC01553 by David C, on Flickr

Thats the look I'm after, however, I'm going for a brushed/turned aluminum look, so I think the clear water slide won't look right.

[fastj22]

I found water slide paper on Amazon for $20. Gonna go that route first. I'll post the results.

[peter anson]

One other method that may be suitable is using the toner transfer system that is normally used for making low production printed circuits. See https://www.circuitspecialists.com/pcb-ttp.html The special toner transfer paper is quite cheap but must be used with a laser printer (not ink-jet). The required image must be printed in reverse on the paper and is then transferred to the metal surface by heat - normally by feeding the metal and paper through a modified laminating machine. You could also use a clothes iron to apply the image although the results would probably not be as consistent. Only suitable for black lettering on a lighter coloured panel.

Peter

[n307tw]

Hey John,

My example isn’t a transfer but I used these guys who make panels for simulators around the world for mock Boeing and Airbus aircraft. They use laser etched plastic that will screw into the metal sub-panel. Sent some measurements and emails back and forth and this is what they came up with for my Model B switch panel. It’s backlit with LEDs for night flying too. They even made custom
Korry indicators too. Total cost was just under a hundred. Using switches and wiring from B&C.

I was going for a Boeing factory look - probably over the top but I don’t mind, besides the panel is what you look at the most anyway. Once I have the avionics in I’ll have them make another one for the other side for my FAA warning and accessories. Anyone who is interested check out www.pcflights.com.

Looking forward to more Model-B conversion updates John!

-Tim




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fastj22]

I found some water transfer ink jet stock and it came out pretty good.
You basically create the labels on the computer, print on the stock, then spray clear coat over it. Cut them out, soak and transfer, then clear coat the entire panel.