how do you make a graphic?

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

i know what i want
but i would like something better than my 5th grade art skills or ms paint

so how do i get a nice looking graphic on a blank skate?

can i go to kinkos print it out and put it under a clear fiberglass layer?

texasT · Posted: Apr 26, 2011 2:44 pm Post subject:

I've been wandering the same thing. I know some people paint them but what about the printed decks????

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10756 City: Jefferton

some people have used vinyl, and I think the guy who re-did his transformer deck did use a paper graphic and then he sealed it. I'd have to find that thread to be absolutely sure.

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

i know of a few places around town that can do transferable graphics like for cars and stuff , but idk if thats the best way to go or not

jcoffey · Backside 180 Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 1339

im pretty sure my original just has a die-cut sticker under the sealant

416 · Backside 180 Joined: 25 Jul 2008 Posts: 836 City: Toronto

hand paint it!

henrification · Frontside 180 Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 280 City: 941

New will do custom graphics for you

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

it is a new Laughing

Sagittorious · Posted: Apr 26, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

POPTART, sand that puppy down make, grab some spray paint, make some stencils, apply stencils to board in the order wanted apply paint to board let dry, seal! Smash

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

im in no rush Very Happy

GZA · Faceplant Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 26

When we made surfboards at school, we used rice? paper i think. We printed an image on that and then when we put the resin over it, the paper 'disappeared' leaving a clean sharp image. You might be able to adapt this method.

G.K.D. · Frontside 180 Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 404 City: Sydney

You can use a print. Just glue it down then clear coat over it.

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

thanks guys , ill see what i can pick up here

i am still between ideas

so i might go through a few trial and errors

texasT · Posted: Apr 27, 2011 1:26 pm Post subject:

G.K.D. · Frontside 180 Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 404 City: Sydney

yeah rice paper works well or water slide paper (the stuff they print temporary tattoo's on) or or just plain sketch pad paper works just as good for solid print jobs. I've also used vinyl stickers but you need to use a 2pack clear over them or otherwise the thinners in lacquer will eat into the vinyl.

POPTART · 360 flip Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621

ok cool