Custom
Graphics / Decals
We have developed a system for
converting your graphic into a decal for your wood strip-epoxy watercraft!
The special substrate on which
we print the decal "disappears" when saturated with epoxy resin,
allowing the graphic to appear to be painted or silk-screened onto the wood
(see graphic below). For permanence and protection from abrasion, we recommend
the decal be applied before the fiberglass cloth is applied to the hull.
It can be applied to a previously epoxied surface that is free of varnish, wax,
oil, etc.; that has been lightly sanded down to the epoxy surface.
To apply the decal, you must:
- Prepare the wood surface by sealing it with epoxy resin
(if not currently sealed with epoxy), allow it to harden and then sand the
sealed area lightly.
- The area is then wetted with a thin film of epoxy
resin, the decal is applied, and wetted over again with a thin film of
epoxy resin and smoothed out.
- After allowing this topcoat of epoxy resin to harden,
feather the edges with fine sandpaper.
- Apply the fiberglass cloth in your usual method over
the hull.
Note: We strongly recommend that when building
a wood strip-epoxy canoe you seal the entire surface of your hull with
epoxy resin before glassing. Sand the hull lightly after the epoxy has
hardened. Now you may apply the decals as outlined above, or apply the
fiberglass cloth if no decals are used.
This simple step of sealing the
hull prior to glassing virtually eliminates bubbles & dry spots
caused by the epoxy being absorbed into the raw wood after wetting out the
cloth! Check with your epoxy manufacturer to discover if additional treatment
will be needed to the epoxy surface to remove "Amine Blush" before
applying more epoxy to the surface.
Graphics / Decals
Restrictions & Limitations:
- 8" x 13" decal print area (sheet size) is the
maximum. Several smaller graphics can fit on one sheet and be
cut out later. Please plan accordingly.
- Simple graphics (line drawings, etc., see graphic
below) reproduce the best. Avoid shades of grey or varying hues of color.
High contrast images (as in black text on white paper) for artwork work
very well.
- Black is the best choice for color. Red, green and blue
reproduce satisfactorily in the "medium tone" range. Too light
of color tends to be transparent, like wood stain. Too dark tends to not
be "true to color", except for pure black. White can not be
reproduced! White will appear clear (transparent) on the hull. This
can be used to your advantage when designing the graphic, allowing the
wood to show through where desired!
- The graphic you provide for decal conversion must be in
".GIF" format (PC), at the size you require.
- If necessary, "compress" ("ZIP"
compression preferred) the graphic file in preparation for e-mailing.
- E-mail us with a description of the graphic...size,
color(s), how many copies, image description) so we may quote you a price
on converting them to decals. If accepted for conversion, we will e-mail
you with information on where to send the graphics file. (see "Ordering, Payment Method & Shipping
Instructions")
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