The following site has a discussion of various methods:

http://fstewart.ne.mediaone.net/DaEtiCsuiLblMethods.html

Here are a few methods I have used:

1) MAKE YOUR OWN DECALS
Print using a Laser Printer to DynaArt Toner Transfer paper.
Then spray on a few light coats of lacquer directly over the
printed area. A few light coats works better than one heavy
coat. Let the coated image dry for at least an hour for best
results. Use scissors to trim the paper to the proper size,
and then place the Toner Transfer paper image-side-up in
a bowl or pan of water. The paper may curl a little at first
because the back-side of the paper absorbs water faster than the
side that was sprayed. Be patient. After a minute or so you will
see the decal separating from the paper. Apply as you would
a regular decal, that is, by sliding it off of the paper
onto the desired surface. I usually get one side slightly
off the paper and then slide the paper out slowly so the
decal has a minimum of stress applied.

Avoid bubbles, but if they occur, wipe them out towards the
edge. On some materials you can remove the lacquer carrier
with ordinary denatured alcohol. (Alcohol will mar certain
surfaces). Wait until decal is totally dry!
Use a gentle circular motion, using an absorbent
cloth such as an old T-shirt.

On the other hand, you might opt to let the decal totally dry
and then give it one or two coats of lacquer spray so that the
entire work surface has a coating of laquer.

2) MAKE A VANITY PLATE.
Using a Laser Printer, print a MIRROR image to DynaArt Toner
Transfer paper. Use an iron to transfer the toner image to the
vanity plate. Soak the vanity plate in water until the transfer
paper floats away from the plate. Rinse carefully under cold
running water and carefully dry. (I use warm air to dry). Once
vanity plate is totally dry, you can spray a couple of thin coats
of lacquer over the entire surface. Several thin coats are
better than one thick coat. It is best to allow a few minutes
drying time between coats.

Vanity plates must be able to withstand the ironing heat, so
they should be metal, not plastic.

3) MAKE AN **ETCHED** VANITY PLATE.
Carefully clean the vanity plate and ensure that it is dry.
Using a Laser Printer, print a MIRROR image to DynaArt Toner
Transfer paper. Use an iron to transfer the toner image to the
vanity plate. Soak the vanity plate in water until the transfer
paper floats away from the plate. Rinse carefully under cold
running water.

Dip the vanity plate in acid. Keep the plate moving.
An alternative method is to "paint" acid/etchant onto the
vanity plate using a broad brush (one that is not affected
by the etchant, obviously!)  Once the acid/etchant has
changed the surface characteristics the desired amount,
remove the vanity plate and rigorously rinse the plate clean.
Remove the toner using Acetone or finger nail polish remover.
Where the toner once was the surface should be smooth and
shiny, whereas the etched metal will have a duller complexion.

Vanity plate must be metallic.

4) MAKE A **PLATED** VANITY PLATE.
Carefully clean the vanity plate and ensure that it is dry.
Using a Laser Printer, print a MIRROR image to DynaArt Toner
Transfer paper. Use an iron to transfer the toner image to the
vanity plate. Soak the vanity plate in water until the transfer
paper floats away from the plate. Rinse carefully under cold
running water.

Plate the Vanity Plate with a metal of contrasting color.
When the plating is finished, remove the toner using Acetone
or finger nail polish remover. You will now have a two-tone
vanity plate.

Vanity plate must be metallic.

5) MAKE A **TRANSPARENT** OVERLAY.
Print a MIRRORED image using a Laser Printer. The print
material can be either transparent or matte finish on one
side. If using matte finish, print to the matte side.

There are some additional things you can do with this method.

A) After printing, spray the toner side. Metallic paints
look especially "cool", although a simple flat white is also
nice.

B) Print a MIRRORED and also NEGATIVE version of the lettering
onto the transparent/translucent material. The letters are now
CLEAR. You can individually apply color to the toner side and
the letters will take on that color. You can apply a few
simple "masks" that consist of cut-out areas and quickly
spray paint the desired color scheme to hundreds of overlays
in just a few minutes. -OR- print the color scheme onto paper
and apply the overlay on top of the paper. I have also used
paper that had one side "metallic". Use your imagination!

*** The overlay is normally applied to the case using spray-on
adhesive.

6) MAKE AN ADHESIVE PAPER PANEL.
The companies that make labels also sell full sheets of
paper that are adhesive-backed and can be printed on a Laser
Jet or Ink Jet. In color even! Great for quick prototypes.
I find the smooth paper better than the textured. The
thinner paper works better in many Laser Jets, since
thick paper prevents the toner from fusing (unless your
printer has an adjustment for thick paper).

Once the paper has been applied, you can give it a few
coats of clear lacquer or acrylic spray to increase its
lifespan. You could even apply a clear transparency material
if you want.


***
I hope someone finds this useful.

Fr. Tom McGahee

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