I made a prototype face plate a few months back, using my ink jet (an
old epson pro), a blank adhesive label (thank UPS for that), and some
matte acrylic spray.

Was just doing white text on black background, and just lied to my
printer (told it that it was printing on 720 dpi paper, no halftone or
diffusion print), which gave me an extremely dark black background.  Cut
it out, stuck it onto my panel, and gave it several light coats of
acrylic matte spray.  Turned out really nice.

Depending on the acrylic spray you use, you'll get varying degrees of
finish.  I like using something called a "matte fixative 21683 matte
bisque (dulling spray)", by carnival arts & crafts, that gives it a
finish much like a polycarbonite label.

Not something I would do for even low production numbers, but it works
nice for the occasional prototype or "one off".  The acrylic spray also
makes the water soluble ink from the ink jet pretty much waterproof.

David Sincock wrote:
> I followed some of the recent discussion on silkscreen processes with
> interest but am interested in extending the discussion in a slightly
> different direction.
>
> I currently have front panels made by a silkscreen process but the setup
> costs are rather high for low volume and prototype articles.
> The process involves silkscreening onto the reverse side of a polycarbonate
> sheet about 10mil to 20mil thick. A layer of Scotch 467 adhesive is then
> added. The finished product has a matt finish on the front, and is UV and
> scratch resistant.
>
> I am investigating different methods of producing comparable quality panels
> for prototypes. The current most plausible technique will involve inkjet
> printing to either a photo quality paper or polymer sheet and then
> laminating that sheet with a matt finish laminating film or pouch. These
> films seem to be manufactured in a variety of types/finishes/techniques.
> Some have adhesive backs already. The major problem (at the moment) is
> trying to source the products (in Australia).
>
> That issue aside, I was wondering if anyone had tried something similar or
> had other brilliant ideas for producing front panels with a minimum of fuss,
> effort and expense.
>
>
> Regards,
>
> David Sincock
> TDS Software Solutions Pty Ltd
> sincockd@senet.com.au
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics
> (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics
>

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.