Stickers on Parts

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

Can you add the vinyl stickers in between the clear gel coat (Duratec for instance) and the infusion resisn?

Or will it be better between the gel coat and the 2K laquer?

#2

Ed Norris does something similar with his hot rod parts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSfftRVKwYY&mode=related&search=

#3

i want them visible on the finished part, not underneath.

thanks for the link thou

#4

the best way to find out is to do a test panel

#5

So did you try it? How did it work?

#6

In the last six years of trials he got married, had a child, got divorced, now lives in his parents basement, during which he thinks constantly “that damn sticker is really bothersome” …:laugh: if he just used waterborne ink:idea:

#7

You can laserprint on normal paper, then laminate them in. Alternatively you can have your logo and things printed on glass veil. Some Indian companies do that.

#8

To add to the zombie thread…

I sometimes use vinyl stickers like I did in these A-Pillars I did an overlay for. I put on a few layers of resin, sand it flat and put the sticker on, then put a few more layers over it. Sometimes I’ll use screen-printing too (mainly for my logo).

#9

GEcho, those pillars look great. The twill looks tight is it standard 3k 12x12?

#10

Ill add my bit too lol, if you use sign writing vinyl, do a tester first. I’ve had the adhesive from the vinyl react with resins and lacquers that went over them.

#11

GEcho could you give some more information about how you screenprint your logo to the cf parts?
thanks

#12

Just some cheapish 2x2 3K 5.8oz. Did an overlay on some fiberglass ones I make for FJ Cruisers for S&Gs

#13

I use StencilPro HiRes stencil sheets (Here’s where I get them. They’re real quick to use…there are videos on Youtube that show how. Then I just put on a few coats of resin, sand it smooth, lay my screenprint over then add the paint (I use Jacquard Screen Ink). Add a few more layers of resin (it’ll pool up the first few on the ink, but it will eventually fill). Then finish as normal.

Only side-caveat is to make sure you have enough resin over the paint so you can sand it without getting into the paint…which I did on the 'DESIGNS" in my logo in the picture below a little bit.

#14

Is there any more pics ??I love the look

#15

I have a few more pics…

Here’s what it looks like installed in the FJ Crusier (with Polk Audio db401 speakers)

And here’s a different one I made for someone who wanted two gauge pods in it along with the speaker pod:

I’m not a huge fan of the carbon fiber look in a FJ Cruiser, but some people love it, so I produce for them as well when they ask…

Just for S&Gs, here are a few other’s I’ve made as well…not CF, but I still enjoy working in my fiberglass roots:

Working on putting some 4" speakers in my Jeep Wrangler A-Pillars right now…turning out to be fairly difficult as it requires a 3-piece split mold due to the shape. I know it sounds weird since I’m against it in a FJ Cruiser, but I might put some CF in my Jeep…just with I could find a black CF/tan hybrid.

-G

#16

Those are some nice pieces. I’m guessing you designed the A-pillars yourself? Do you have some pictures of your process for building the fiberglass?

#17

There is many ways to put stickers on carbon fiber. You can paint it like the below picture:

http://www.carbon-aramid.com/images/Ducati%20999%20Carbon%20fiber%20Headlight%20colored_3.jpg

or you use airbrush:
http://www.carbon-aramid.com/images/Dorso-CFiber%20tank-L%20Painted.jpg

or just with your hands draw you firm on it but always add topcoat for better results. If you are going to add it when you make the part between gelcoat and carbon layers, the results will be not professional. The other way is to add it on the back of the panel which is easy and you don’t have to be nice.