Full Version: Could this be dye sublimation?

From: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#16]
 9 Sep 2005
To: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#15] 9 Sep 2005

Thanks to everyone for their input. Masking is what I was going to be using to do this. I have two problems, finding the right paint/ink/whatever to bond to it.

The other problem I am having is perfecting the mask itself. I am using painter's tape. I would engrave through it, then when I go to pull it off (I waited various amounts of time) some of the paint that is on top of the mask would be pulled down to the letters like elastic & bunch up on the sides of the letters.

I thought it was fibers from the tape, but the more I looked the more I realized it was paint. It's so small that it's difficult to clean off and you can't do it with just water (depending on the paint).

For instance, in the word "Theis". I took one end of the tape and pulled slowly straight up immediately after applying the paint. Then, the right side of the "s", basically the very outside, paint bunched up and looked like fibers.

The longer I waited the worse it became. I waited 15 minutes because that's how long this one took to dry to touch and basically the paint "bunched" around all the letters.

EDITED: 9 Sep 2005 by SEETHESUNRISE

From: John (ICTJOHN) [#17]
 9 Sep 2005
To: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#16] 9 Sep 2005

David,

Do not use painters tape as a mask for lasering, it does not hold well and the paint will seep underneath and make a mess. One of the better materials to use is vinyl applicator tape. it kind of looks like masking tape but has a smoother finish. It is used to transfer vinyl graphics onto banners and such.

Also, when color filling - let the paint dry - not just to the touch, but dry completly or the paint will peel right back out with the tape.

From: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#18]
 9 Sep 2005
To: John (ICTJOHN) [#17] 9 Sep 2005

Thanks for the advice. Where do I get this vinyl applicator tape. A sign supply store?

From: John (ICTJOHN) [#19]
 9 Sep 2005
To: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#18] 9 Sep 2005

Yes, I think places like Laserbits (they call it Paper Mask) have it as well.

From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#20]
 9 Sep 2005
To: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#19] 9 Sep 2005

David,

Specialty Tapes offers it as well.

From: David (SEETHESUNRISE) [#21]
 9 Sep 2005
To: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#20] 9 Sep 2005

Thanks. I just went to a local sign supply store to pick it up. We'll see if that makes it better.

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