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Plate serial# decals

  • 1.  Plate serial# decals

    Posted 11-17-2017 14:02
    Has anyone found a laser paper to make custom transfer plate serial# decals and string gauge decals. 

    I know I can get a custom number from Decals Unlimited, but there has to be a less expensive way to do this simple task.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 2.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Posted 11-17-2017 14:29
    Some years ago I was able to buy rub on letter and number sheets from Michael's Arts and Crafts.

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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  • 3.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-17-2017 14:39
    I believe Mark Purney offers this

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    Larry Messerly, RPT
    Bringing Harmony to Homes
    www.lacrossepianotuning.com
    ljmesserly@gmail.com
    928-899-7292
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  • 4.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Member
    Posted 11-18-2017 13:47





  • 5.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-17-2017 15:00
    Hi Jim:

    I have used Decalpaper.com's clear laser rub on trasfer paper decals.  

    http://www.decalpaper.com/product-p/l875c.htm

     
    I start by going into your word processor and working up the decal that you want to have with the font size and type Times New Roman Bold (48) for the model number letter, Times New Roman (36) Normal text, with the desired spacing between the two.  Print out your choices on normal laser paper until you have exactly what you want.  Since you will be using a full sheet of the rub on paper, then you can put as much as you want on it.  No reason not to have two or three of these decals on the sheet in case you spoil one.  And you can add wire gauge sizes in a small font size if you desire, all on the one sheet.   For my Paulello stringing, I notate the wire type along with the gauge size.  The sheet comes with a carrier sheet and adhesive sticker paper.  Place it in the printer and print out your masterpiece.  Cut it out and place it on the plate, and rub it on.  Follow the directions, and there is a two minute how to video on the website. If you screw up, it can be removed with water or heat.  You should be able to clear over it.   If you have a color printer and some publishing software, you could make up your own decal to place somewhere in the piano.


    The decal prints out at the resolution of your printer, which is to say that it looks quite good.  

    There is a rub, however.  (Bad pun, I know).   The paper, while clear, is about .004.  That means that you have  ridge around the edges, unless you bury the plate in clear coat.   

    I have not tried this company, but their paper is listed as .0015 in thickness.  

     http://www.papilio.com/laser%20water%20slide%20decal%20paper.html

    Will Truitt



     



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    William Truitt
    Bridgewater NH
    603-744-2277
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  • 6.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Posted 11-17-2017 17:23
    Hi Will,

    Thanks. I have tried that paper, but like you say, you get the backing with it. I'm onto another trick, and will report. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlGjCGDdmMg

    She's using overhead transparency film as the transfer sheet to get letters only, no backing...I'll let you know if it crashes and burns or not.

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
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  • 7.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 11-17-2017 22:14
    Jim,

    That looks pretty cool. Very interested in your results!

    Pwg

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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    603-686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 8.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Posted 12-03-2017 18:40
    A report on the youtube technique of using overhead transparency paper and a printer to make a transfer...

    The verdict is...crash and burn...no good for this application. It actually works pretty good for something rough like paper, and transfers quite nicely. However, it does not transfer to a glossy finish.

    Back to the drawing board. I guess next time I just order a custom serial # from Decals Unlimited, or Mark Purney...bummer ​

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    Jim Ialeggio
    grandpianosolutions.com
    Shirley, MA
    978 425-9026
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Posted 12-03-2017 19:26
    Instead of a 'custom serial number' from Decals Unlimited, I just order a sheet of numbers from them. 
    Way cheaper and only requires a modicum of attention to detail to produce a good job.

    My 2cents.

    Mark Potter
    West Jefferson, OH





  • 10.  RE: Plate serial# decals

    Posted 11-17-2017 17:34
    Woodlandscenics.com 
    They specialize in model trains. But they have a great selection and sizes of dry transfer decals of small numbers and letters.
    -chris
    #caveman