How to add text and scales to frontplate?

[Olegarich]

Dear diy family,

Please teach me how you add text, marks and scales to your frontpanel at home?? I know about laser ingrawing but is there any other way to make it a home??? maybe there is some special paper or something else?

I can make all design in coreldraw but how to transfer that on my frontpanel??

Thanks  a lot!!

 

[peterc]

Press n peel  http://www.techniks.com/
Lazertran / water slide decal    http://lazertran.com/
Printable self-adhesive sheets http://www.papilio.com/inkjet%20photo%20high%20glossy%20film%20media.html

 

[soapfoot]

For "prototype" type situations, I've used waterslide decal paper and a regular inkjet printer. Apply, let dry, and then clearcoat over with enamel or acrylic lacquer.

Be careful though-- if you use one brand or type of paint for a base coat (for, say, a color below the decals), and then a different formulation/brand/line of clear coat, you'll want to either test on scrap, or at the very minimum LIGHTLY mist the first several coats of clear on-- otherwise the paint could react and crinkle.

 

[merlin]

I have used laminated vinyl. It is done by a local printer who makes shop signs and auto decals: