So I'm working on a project to try and make my own custom topper and I was going to use the same method that I've read for recreating plastics, using inkjet printable adhesive backed transparent vinyl.

I know I could order it online, but I have the day off from work and was hoping to get some work done on it today. Unfortunately, all of the stores that say they carry it, don't actually carry it! I've tried AC Moore, Blick art supplies, Staples, Walmart, even Joanne Fabrics plus some local shops that do camera work etc. I also inquired at kinkos if they print on it in their print shop, but they said no, because all they use are laser printers and it burns up the vinyl.

I was hoping to make this in a way that doesn't obliterate my budget. Any suggestions of stores to try? From what I understand (although I could be wrong) it would cost a fortune to get a one-off printed at a regular printing place.

Any help appreciated!

#2 10 years ago

ZOE

85vett

Pinside+ Frequent

12y 110K 6,380 3

Try hobby lobby if you have one local. What I have been using is a product made by Avery. It's a clear sticker paper. I still haven't found anything that is perfectly clear though but this stuff has been the clearest. It still has a bit of a haze to it from the adhesive.

If you find something that is crystal clear please let me know as I have several projects that I need it for and just haven't found it.

I did talk with several of the modders out their that are making their own decals and plastics and they all seem to outsource this part.

#3 10 years ago

BSS

SkyBry

Inactive member

Spencerville, ON

10y 14,000 3 5

I checked with a local print shop place (Printwell, I think the name is), and for a backglass sized print job, they would charge about $40. I'm looking into something similar to reproduce a backglass.

#4 10 years ago

PGX

joeraptor2003

PinGraffix

Valley Stream, NY

12y 100K 1,641 10

Hi Matt
In most instances..In order to print on to clear material properly, the media has to be be warmed up first so that the ink can stick to it. Otherwise it will just roll off. Also too...most of the time you won't find this media in sheets rather in roll form.

Fortunately..I have the capacity to do this. PM me if you want me to take a look at your file.
Thanks
Joe

1 week later

#5 10 years ago

MAT

MattG

Rage Tilt Pinball

Philadelphia, PA

10y 41,050 257 5 15

Update! So I got a product in the mail that worked great, it's an inkjet printable vinyl from a company called Grafix.

I printed a small part from my topper project, stuck it to polycarbonate and attempted to cut it out....

...with very little success. All I have is a table-mount rotary tool and it just chewed up / melted the plastic.

Do you guys think that a plastics place could cut it for me if I applied the images beforehand? It requires some precision cutting that I am just not capable of. I am going to email a place near me next week for more info. Anyone have an idea on what something like this would cost?

I actually took my images to a sign shop around the corner who said they could do it, but they never got back to me.

#6 10 years ago

IZY

izzy

Pinside+ Frequent

Sacramento, CA

11y 65,050 1,164 6

I've cut Lexan with a band saw with great success. I'd probably have the shop cut the material before adding graphic. That way they can leave the protective sheet on it.

#7 10 years ago

???

Renegade

Pinside member

Portland, OR

10y 31,900 246 1

I agree, would probably be easier to have it cut prior to image. Make sure you post pics when your done!

10 years later

#8 74 days ago

GUN

Gunner007

Pinside+ Frequent

Kingston, ON

<1y 30,550 220 4

When you did you plastics, did you just scan each one and print them onto the vinyl.
I just opened adobe photoshop last week and never having touched this type of software I'm at a bit of a loss how you just crop out the plastic piece, so you can add multiple pieces on one sheet.
Any help!!

So I'm working on a project to try and make my own custom topper and I was going to use the same method that I've read for recreating plastics, using inkjet printable adhesive backed transparent vinyl.

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