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Would you be interested in a custom Decal?

  • YES - I would want a Text decal (in any font) like my name or clan name

    Votes: 7 70.0%
  • YES - I would want a simple Graphic decal like a silhouette or outline like the one you pictured

    Votes: 2 20.0%
  • YES - I would want a big complicated graphic that will make you squint and cry when you weed the vin

    Votes: 1 10.0%
  • NO - I am not interested in Vinyl decals at all

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • LOLWUT - I am a troll and just want to skew your results

    Votes: 0 0.0%

Custom Decals Poll! Gaging Interest

1K views 25 replies 6 participants last post by  Puck 
#1 ·
***POLL EXPIRED, NOT ENOUGH INTEREST***

First off, a "don't get me banned" disclaimer:
*** THIS IS PURELY AN INTEREST ONLY THREAD!! I AM NOT AN ARTISAN HERE, AND CANNOT DISCUSS PRICE, SELLING, OR MAKE ANY OFFERS! AS OF NOW, I DO NOT MAKE ANYTHING FOR ANYONE! MODS WILL BE WATCHING THIS THREAD, I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I PM'D ENTERPRISE TO BE SURE I DON'T BREAK ANY RULES!***

A few months ago I bought one of those cheap ebay custom decals for my bike. I ride a motorcycle every day, rain or shine, and my bike stays parked out in the Florida sun for hours at a time. The cheap decal did not like this - it faded and started peeling after only 2-3 months. I have experience using AutoCAD and have taken courses in CNC programming, so instead of throwing more money at more questionable products using bottom of the barrel Chinese materials, I said screw it and purchased my own Vinyl plotter and some nice name brand outdoor safe vinyl, and some name brand clear application tape since that tan masking tape most people use doesn't let you see exactly where you are applying the decal.

I started off with some simple text decals, and my curious Fiance asked for one for her car window which I happily obliged. Here are some close-ups (and another disclaimer - excuse the crappy quality of all pics - these are just to give an idea
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):



Her "Kawigurl" car sticker was applied on a rainy day and has been on for a few weeks now and still looks brand new - no signs of fading of peeling.

While sitting at my computer, I looked over at the big window on the side of my Ascension, peeked at the action figure velcro'd sitting on the exhaust fan, and got an idea...a short while later I had this cooked up (Sorry for the dirty window, I have two huge dogs that stay in the same room as my computer so it gets dusty quickly):


I thought this looked pretty damn cool, and figured that since I am a member of multiple car forums, motorcycle forums, and computer forums I'm sure I could find some other people that would like to have a way to get inexpensive quality decals that will last longer and be easier to apply then the ebay cheapies. Computer enthusiasts are the first logical choice due to their unique user names, Clan tags, and frequent case mods so this is my first logical step.

All that being said...the Artisan fee here is $80 a year for 1-3 items so I don't want to jump at it if there is no interest. If I were to first go through the mods and get the proper permission, who would be interested in a custom decal? I don't think I'm allowed to state prices, but they would be very competitively priced and made to order. Around $5 for simple text like the first two, and probably around $10 for the ~6"x8" graphic. Anything bigger or more complicated would need a quote. My plotter can do up to 10 inches x 8 feet so perimeter decals and even car banners and such are not out of the question.

I can also do paint mask stencils for those who wish to airbrush or paint graphics.

I am also looking for someone who has UV lights in their rig that stays on 24/7 and wants a *free* decal for the INSIDE of the case (preferably in a hot and harsh environment like a GPU backplate or PSU, but just inside the case is fine) to test the lifespan for me. All I ask in return is a followup every month or so so I can gauge the lifespan to make sure it won't fade from heat and direct UV exposure. The vinyl is advertised as UV resistant, but I'd love to see how long the colors last in direct UV light
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. I would prefer to use blue, since that is supposedly the most UV sensitive, but you could convince me to use a different color
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.
- Kernel G graciously agreed
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Of course it should go without saying, but I obviously can't legally sell anything Trademarked (including the OCN "Flame") so don't ask - no trick "M" logo for your McDonald's casemods, sorry!
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#3 ·
Sounds cool! I already have a Stimpy silhouette in red and blue, but your Kawigurl inspired me, I could use 'Stimpy!' on the top of my window!

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#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by kernel G View Post

Sounds cool! I already have a Stimpy silhouette in red and blue, but your Kawigurl inspired me, I could use 'Stimpy!' on the top of my window!

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Ez-pz
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.

Are those UV's or just blue lights?
 
#5 ·
I recently replaced my UV CCFL bulbs with these UV LEDs. They do give off more blue than the CCFLs did, but I also have reflective blue foil on the inside of my case and on the power supply!
There is a 1x4 inch area on my power supply where the sticker would be visible through my window, and it would be illuminated directly by the LEDs. My Stimpy applique is on the outside of my window. Here's another view:
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by kernel G View Post

I recently replaced my UV CCFL bulbs with these UV LEDs. They do give off more blue than the CCFLs did, but I also have reflective blue foil on the inside of my case and on the power supply!
There is a 1x4 inch area on my power supply where the sticker would be visible through my window, and it would be illuminated directly by the LEDs. My Stimpy applique is on the outside of my window. Here's another view:
YGPM!
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by richie_2010 View Post

Hi mate.
Think this is a great idea, People will want this. i would do a mixture of things and showcase them.
I think it will be a cool and cheap way to customize a case or piece of hardware to be just a bit more personal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mathelm View Post

Not sure that a decal counts as a "case mod", but a custom cut stencil for painting on the other hand....
Wasn't sure what forum to put it in...but stencils are not a problem either!

Also, I've got my UV tester - I will be shipping Kernel G some blue ones to test directly under some UV lights
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. Those are the most UV sensitive ones, rated 4 years instead of 6 for outdoors.
 
#11 ·
The UV test freebies are shipping out to Kernel G today
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. Quick pic...one day I'll make a board or something with a few different samples and an actual nice camera picture lol.



Poll is set to expire after a month. I'd only need 15 "Yes" votes by then to break even on Artisan fees, which is my only goal. As long as I don't lose a ton of money I'll make em for you guys.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by mathelm View Post

btw, what cutting/sign software are you using?
I am making the .pngs in Gimp, then importing them into "Signcut Pro" for pathing. I've never used the Signcuts program, and it seems very watered down compared to what I am used to, but it has a few neat features like a customizable import/trace tool, customizable registration marks for making multicolored stacked decals, and a weeding mask that will put adjustable lines in the zero space to make weeding a bit easier. It supports plugins for other programs like Corel and Illustrator but it plays nice with Gimp as well so I just use that.
 
#14 ·
Not a ton of interest, but not a very busy subforum either...usually only ~20-30 viewers. Still making little things for myself as I get ideas - got some mirror vinyls for my 14R
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#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by guitarhero23 View Post

Another thing people would be interested in might be vinyl decals to replace OEM stickers in the color to match your build on say the PSU, SSD, HDD, etc. I know I wish I could find a template to replace this sticker:
I can match the text and logo of "EVGA SUPERNOVA 850 G2" no problem, but not the voltage chart on the right since its way too small. That would need printable vinyl, which uses inkjet printer on a vinyl paper and doesn't last as long as signing vinyl. They are easier and faster to make, and easily allow multiple colors in the same vinyl, but I would be worried about the quality and lifespan since being inkjet they fade over time.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Puck View Post

I can match the text and logo of "EVGA SUPERNOVA 850 G2" no problem, but not the voltage chart on the right since its way too small. That would need printable vinyl, which uses inkjet printer on a vinyl paper and doesn't last as long as signing vinyl. They are easier and faster to make, and easily allow multiple colors in the same vinyl, but I would be worried about the quality and lifespan since being inkjet they fade over time.
Everything about printing vinyl is just stupid expensive. Without a full time print shop, they're just not feasible. But they use more of a solvent type ink, so durability is not a issue I don't think....

You can design your own online and have it printed, with minimum of 25 at Uprinting.com...



EDIT:
What would be cool is to get them to print an uncut sheet, which at 25 x (4" x 6") should only be a 30" x 20" sheet. Then setup a water mark, and cut out the custom print...
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#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by mathelm View Post

Everything about printing vinyl is just stupid expensive. Without a full time print shop, they're just not feasible. But they use more of a solvent type ink, so durability is not a issue I don't think....

You can design your own online and have it printed, with minimum of 25 at Uprinting.com...



EDIT:
What would be cool is to get them to print an uncut sheet, which at 25 x (4" x 6") should only be a 30" x 20" sheet. Then setup a water mark, and cut out the custom print...
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Yea its definitely expensive and not feasible for small batches/custom work without having a full time shop. Thats the smallest batch size for vinyl printing I have seen though
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.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by mathelm View Post

Everything about printing vinyl is just stupid expensive. Without a full time print shop, they're just not feasible. But they use more of a solvent type ink, so durability is not a issue I don't think....

You can design your own online and have it printed, with minimum of 25 at Uprinting.com...



EDIT:
What would be cool is to get them to print an uncut sheet, which at 25 x (4" x 6") should only be a 30" x 20" sheet. Then setup a water mark, and cut out the custom print...
thumb.gif
Would be awesome if we got 25 people who all wanted the same thing Would only pay like $0.75 each! Hell, I'd do it just to split 50/50
 
#20 ·
I received my stickers from Puck. Applied them last night, and for me they look awesome. I picked out the font and Puck sized them to my request.



Application was very easy. I prepped the surfaces by wiping with isopryl (or is it isopropyl) alcohol. Since my power supply has an embosed surface, I cut and applied the letters individually. I used my fingernail to press down the the letters. If they were larger I would have used the edge of a credit card.




The second one went on a flat area, I only had to apply the 'Ee's separately to avoid the indentations.



So, I'll see how they hold out under my UV LEDs, (I doubt that they would fade), I might reinstall my UV CCFL bulb to zap them with more UV light.
The stickers are blue, not uv reactive. Other than the blue being too 'stealthy' on the blue foil of my power supply, I like 'em! Thanks again, Puck!
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#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by kernel G View Post

I received my stickers from Puck. Applied them last night, and for me they look awesome. I picked out the font and Puck sized them to my request.



Application was very easy. I prepped the surfaces by wiping with isopryl (or is it isopropyl) alcohol. Since my power supply has an embosed surface, I cut and applied the letters individually. I used my fingernail to press down the the letters. If they were larger I would have used the edge of a credit card.




The second one went on a flat area, I only had to apply the 'Ee's separately to avoid the indentations.



So, I'll see how they hold out under my UV LEDs, (I doubt that they would fade), I might reinstall my UV CCFL bulb to zap them with more UV light.
The stickers are blue, not uv reactive. Other than the blue being too 'stealthy' on the blue foil of my power supply, I like 'em! Thanks again, Puck!
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Thanks for checking them out for me! Pretty clever of you to cut pieces of lettering out to avoid dents and obstacles, that can be a bit tricky but it looks like they went on fine
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. In case anyone was wondering, its no problem for me to move around and customize the lettering and spacing if you want to avoid something - gimme the measurements and I can take care of ya. Glad you are happy with them though...I figure if they can survive on a warm PSU in direct UV light in a PC, and have been on the outside back window of my Fiance's car for two months in the FL sun and rain, they should be able to stand up to anything. I never thought about UV reactive ones but if I can find some quality name-brand UV reactive vinyl that that can be an option too. I also have some very nice looking Carbon Fiber vinyl too that I have sitting around waiting for a good idea to use. Much glossier then the 3M Di-Noc I used to use.

The clear application tape goes a long way towards an easy installation. Before I decided to do my own, I ordered one online for my bike and it came with brown masking tape to apply so I couldn't see where it was going very well. It was also super cheap vinyl and the edges started to peel and curl after a few weeks, but that's another story
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Tomorrow I'll post a pic of my side mirror vinyls installed as well. Had a looonngggg day at bike week today and I'm exhausted and sore lol.
 
#22 ·
Yes, that application tape makes it nice and easy. I like that it's fairly stiff as well.
The power supply doesn't really get warm. I think the car is the best test for heat, especially later in the summer!
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by kernel G View Post

Yes, that application tape makes it nice and easy. I like that it's fairly stiff as well.
The power supply doesn't really get warm. I think the car is the best test for heat, especially later in the summer!
It's already in the 80's here so I'm sweating already lol!
 
#25 ·
Oracal makes some fluorescent UV reactive vinyl that comes in yellow, orange, red orange, red, pink, and green. It is meant for indoor, and only rated for 1 year outdoor or in direct sunlight. Should be fine for a PC and would look killer, but damn its expensive in small batches...triple what the outdoor vinyl I use costs, and 6x the cost of the cheap ebay vinyl.

It is pretty tacky though, super bright 80's bowling alley fluorescent lol.
 
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