UV label method for diy front panels

[Terry Cole]

Hi, I am building an audio amplifier and the case really needs a decent front panel which I have designed but can not find any method other than silk screening. Back in the 1970’s Radio Spares starting doing a kit for this sort of thing, which you put your artwork under the UV light box and then washed it off with the supplied chemical and it really looked good. Does anybody know where I could find this again? - TC

[Speedskater]

We used a similar system in the early 1980's.

Kepro Circuit Systems, Inc.
Etched Circuit Kits & Supplies
Nameplate Supplies
Cat# NP-EP1220

[MikeHunt79]

You can also use a laser printer to print on coated paper, and then transfer the toner by ironing it on.

I've done this in the past, in order to etch PCB's.

[Bone]

There is also a product called Safmat from Letraset. , < Letraset - Creative Opportunities - Inkjet Film >
Its a self adhesive very thin clear film for both inkjet and monochrome laser printers.
When applied to your panel it is virtually invisible.
Can be bought online from Letraset.
This is OK if your legend is opaque - black or dark colours. Doesn't work well with lighter colours.

[Steerpike]

I'm in exactly the same situation: unless you have a very esoteric image that has to be put on the front panel, I don't think you can do better than Letraset dry rub-down letters. (or other brands like Alfac, Seno) When done carefully, they are the "most factory made look" you can do, other than getting an expensive professional print job. Everything else looks home-made when viewed close up -
really sharp, well defined edges on lettering are incredibly difficult to do.