: A few months back there was a discussion about using tissue paper to place
: words or graphics underneath glass.

: http://www.kayakforum.com/cgi-bin/Building/index.cgi/noframes/read/57833

: In the discussion it mentions using an inkjet printer to produce the
: graphics. I'm wondering if anyone has used this techinique using a laser
: printer instead of an inkjet? Would there be any compatiblity problems
: with the epoxy?

: Thanks.

: Doug
: ---

Doug, if the graphics you wish to apply are largely black and white (few greytones), you might consider a transfer method I picked up in architecture school a few years ago.

Laser printing (photocopies, i.e. toner-based printing) can be transferred onto surfaces with pressure and an acetone wipe. Tape the printed image onto your surface printed side down, and using a q-tip or cotton ball dipped in acetone, lightly wipe the paper to loosen the toner. Immediately - before the acetone evaporates - use a burnishing tool to thouroughly rub over the printed portion of the paper. Because acetone evaporates quickly, you may need to work in stages, and/or re-work areas to ensure a good transfer. Allow a few minutes to dry, and remove the paper. Of course, you'll need to print your image in reverse, but most graphics programs make it easy to reverse graphics and text.

Because you've taped it in place, it's easy to pull back the print periodically to check on the extent of the transfer without "losing" registration of the image. I've had good luck using this method on many things, but frankly, it works best on porous surfaces - you don't want the acetone to puddle or apply so much that it causes the print to bleed or smear. Smooth, bare wood works well.

Experiment first and get used to the effects before committing - it usually doesn't provide thick, jet-black painted-on look; rather, expect the text/graphics to have more of a translucent "stamped" look. Works well, I think, for "built by" signatures, logos, etc. And, there's no tissue paper to deal with under the glass.

Rick