Don't do it this way

[wtnhighlander]

A while back, I posted a simple serving tray construction method, which I know some of you have also produced. Recently, LOML requested that I add a graphic to enhance the rather plain tray.

The design is painted on, in two stages.

Stage 1 involves locating center marks to align a printed graphic. I first masked the area with vinyl meant for a Cricut-style machine. This adheres well, but can be removed without damage to the finish. I used rubber cement to stick the printed pattern to the vynil, as my inkjet can't print on vinyl.

After cutting out the back layer of the graphic, I sealed the cut edges further by psinting it with GF High Performance, similar to the 'caulk the tape' method @Tom King suggested for clean lines in wall paint.

It took several applications of the white acrylic paint to cover the wood fully, which meant I couldn't peel the mask while the paint was still wet. I traced the cut lines through the dried paint, again using the Xacto knife. Peeling the mask left this.

To minimize the risk of lifting the first paint layer in subsequent steps, I let it dry overnight, the coated it with GF HP again, allowing that to dry while I was at work.

Rinse and repeat with a second copy of the graphic.

 

Cutting and weeding the smaller, curvier text was the very definition of tedium.

The black paintcovered in a single application, thankfully.

After the black was mostly dry to the touch, but not hard, I removed the mask. With only a couple of minor touch-ups, here is the result.

It will get a final coat of High Performance tomorrow.

Anyone that wants to do a graphic like this, please do yourself a favor. Go buy a vinyl cutter or a CNC engraver.

[Tom King]

Looks really good though!

I bought a small vinyl cutter some years ago to put professional labels on my toolboxes.  It's still in the boxes it came in.  Been too busy with other stuff ahead of that on the list.  My newest toolboxes have Magic Marker on removable duct tape labels.

[BillyJack]

Looking good. I taped off and sprayed the dragon and tiger on the Yin and Yang table. Spraying paint and stain go a long way…

[wtnhighlander]

It amazes me that the first vinyl cutter I ever saw (mid-1980s) cost $15000, and is now equalled in capacity (exceeded in capability) by machines costing under $200.

[JohnG]

On 12/6/2022 at 1:57 PM, wtnhighlander said:

It amazes me that the first vinyl cutter I ever saw (mid-1980s) cost $15000, and is now equalled in capacity (exceeded in capability) by machines costing under $200.

Same with 3d printers. I tried to get my high school to buy one, but at the time they were around $25k. They didn’t buy it.

[Chestnut]

3 hours ago, JohnG said:

Same with 3d printers. I tried to get my high school to buy one, but at the time they were around $25k. They didn’t buy it.

I remember companies coming into my CAD class and presenting their 3d printer. It was really cool but the teacher said exactly the same thing.

[Coop]

WOW! Now that’s really cool! I sure as heck don’t have the patience or the ability.