Who makes there own Stickers/Decals?

[MAD RACER]

Something that I wanted to be able to do for a long time.

Getting things done up & made is rather expensive. ( In this country it is anyway) Now I'm into FE Boats you need to have your racing nu on them so my needs are getting more for this. Just to be able to basic styles is all I want like Drivers name & Numbers among other things

So after much research & saving I have just bought a Roland Stika machine. This is designed for the Hobbyist by Roland & made in Japan. It does up 8" wide. They go up higher to a 12 and 15 "but more $$$ of course. Also comes with CutStudio software.

So many uses I feel. Can't wait.

[yogi-bear]

Hi Mad Racer, excellent to hear you've finally bought it, Roland is a very good brand, my Roland is about 14 yrs old and still going strong. Also I've just moved my workshop so I have some extra vinyl pieces if want otherwise most of it will end up in the bin anyway. Not a lot, but means you won't waste a whole lot learning how to drive the thing,

cheers

[WillyChang]

yeah vintage Roland industrial gear is built like tanks

Stika & Modula not quite as tanky but they're cute little devices.

Might be able to drive it with other software if its a common protocol.

[Grastens]

... So, "this guy?" Or did there need to be a reference to two thumbs in the title?

Looking forward to seeing what you can do with this new machine!

[Mad Ax]

I've been making my own decals for ages using a colour inkjet and clear or white sticky-back sheet. It's far from perfect - the ink can be damaged by some cleaners or tyre additives, if printing on white then it's tricky to cut holes neatly to get the body colour to show through, and if printing onto clear the ink looks washed-out on lighter colours and doesn't show at all on dark ones. But on the plus side, it's dead cheap - all you need is the same inkjet you've probably already got gathering dust in the corner and some inkjet-friendly sticky-back film.

Colour laser and wax printers are now getting cheaper and they probably have better quality ink that doesn't damage so easily. I understand there's also a lacquer that can be sprayed over inkjet or laser inks to protect them.

My fiance acquired a CNC laser cutter last year which she uses to cut shapes out of plastic and wood, we haven't tried it yet but in theory on a low setting it could cut very intricate shapes into sticky-back vinyl. If I ever get around to trying it I'll post the results up here.

Best of luck with your new toy

[WillyChang]

Don't be cutting vinyl with your CO2 laser... mucho bad fumes from molten PVC, nasty BPAs & other TLAs.

[Percymon]

Don't be cutting vinyl with your CO2 laser... mucho bad fumes from molten PVC, nasty BPAs & other TLAs.

yes, get the fiance to do it while you have a beer outside

[MAD RACER]

Hi Mad Racer, excellent to hear you've finally bought it, Roland is a very good brand, my Roland is about 14 yrs old and still going strong. Also I've just moved my workshop so I have some extra vinyl pieces if want otherwise most of it will end up in the bin anyway. Not a lot, but means you won't waste a whole lot learning how to drive the thing,

cheers

Thanks guys & will keep up dating once I get it by the end of the week I hope.

Yogi I would really appreciate that. If you coming to Boondal soon bring the off cuts or post it to me & let me know how much so i can reimburse you. Once asgain thank you.

[yogi-bear]

Hi Mad Racer, PM me a postal address and I'll post some vinyl to you, colours might be a little random though. It'll be the next school holidays before I can get to that end of town again. Cost wise just buy me a beer! These are offcuts that I was about to bin anyway but should fit you machine,

[MAD RACER]

Thanks Yogi.

Pm Sent.

[Mad Ax]

Don't be cutting vinyl with your CO2 laser... mucho bad fumes from molten PVC, nasty BPAs & other TLAs.

Thanks for the warning - the previous owner used it to cut various solid plastics, it's an enclosed model and has porting for an extraction system to be fitted. We moved it into a new building last year and so far we don't have an external vent so it hasn't been used since then. I've got a small industrial extractor unit which I used to use when dealing with other dangerous chemicals, I've kept it specifically for this purpose, I just need to find the time to cut a chunk of stone out to fit the vent.

Any safety warning is appreciated

(the first test will be to laser-scribe a piece of leather - if we can do it without puking, the extractor will be doing its job just fine )

[AndyjcClod]

I bought some clear vinyl sheets and printed on them with a photo MFP, I used the correct settings for Vinyl. They look excellent but the issue I have had it the print comes of the decal very easily (You can scratch it off with your finger nail). Great for statics but I would no recommend for cars you are going to use. If any one has a fix for this I am all ears

[yogi-bear]

I bought some clear vinyl sheets and printed on them with a photo MFP, I used the correct settings for Vinyl. They look excellent but the issue I have had it the print comes of the decal very easily (You can scratch it off with your finger nail). Great for statics but I would no recommend for cars you are going to use. If any one has a fix for this I am all ears

I use to use hair spray to seal inkjet prints. You could also double layer your clear sheet on top, it'll be a little thick, but will seal in the ink very well. The trick will be applying it without too many bubbles. If you have access to a laminator, you can run it cold but use it to roll on the top layer.

[nodtec]

this can be removed if it's not allowed. My friend does custom printed stickers for your one of's, maybe your own design etc.

http://www.olddogprintandcut.com/

[scootmike]

Any updates on this?

Going to give this shot a myself, ordered a Silhouette Cameo cutter, seems the possibilities are endless.

[MAD RACER]

Finally got some vinyl from framing a picture framing shop of all things yesterday which he cut to size ( A4)

After getting the cutter adjusted to the right depth and using some good quality vinyl we got some really good results.

A expensive little machine but will be well worth it. The StudioCut software seems to be good but can't find a Brushed Script font which I would like. Got some thing close.

Will post some pic's soon.

[emory70]

Another idea if you're only doing simple items is to just use the label as a paint mask.

[scootmike]

We have been playing around with the Cameo, so far so good!

[yogi-bear]

Finally got some vinyl from framing a picture framing shop of all things yesterday which he cut to size ( A4)

After getting the cutter adjusted to the right depth and using some good quality vinyl we got some really good results.

A expensive little machine but will be well worth it. The StudioCut software seems to be good but can't find a Brushed Script font which I would like. Got some thing close.

Will post some pic's soon.

I'm amazed you got some vinyl from a picture framing shop! I'll be along to the next meeting (27th), so will bring those off-cuts I promised. I have amongst it some different colours plus some chrome and gold. Looking forward to the pics.

[MAD RACER]

Thanks Johann

I would really appreciate that. The Picture framing shop was one of the first places I went too and gave me some tips where to find some sellers but haven't had any success unless I buy a role. I went back to him and he just cut some to size. Why didn't I just get some vinyl back then. I only have black at this stage so your off cuts would be very much appreciated.

Looking forward in seeing you on the 27th and running our vintage cars as well.