Skateboard Transfer Paper

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upperhandprinting
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Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by upperhandprinting »

Hello all,
I'm interested in printing skateboards. Not necessarily for my business, but more for a hobby. There are two methods I've found.

The first is building a frame to match the angles of the skateboard and screen printing directly on it. It would require building a press, and besides the building of it to match the angles, it's the same as printing a shirt. The hard part comes in exposing the screens. Because of the angles, it needs multiple light sources and all of that.

The second option is to print on transfer paper and then use a special heat press transfer the image on to the board. This would obviously be easier to print, but the heat press is a huge expense. I have access to a huge metal shop that I think could build a heat press for me. So here's my question, what kind of transfer paper and ink would I need to use for wood? The videos I've seen of this technique, the paper is clear. That's all I've been able to find out really. If anyone has done this or has knowledge, I'd be really appreciative.

Also, I've looked up heat tubes and stuff to make a heat press, so if you have any experience with that, let me know.
Thanks everyone!
Craig
Upper Hand Printing - Custom band merch
http://www.upperhandprinting.com
Trumpet The Harlot - My band
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by Catspit Productions »

Okay, I don’t have much experience with this sort of thing but the clear backed transfers that are often used to produce skateboards commercially in mass production are actually laminates. It’s like a shrink wrap that is heated and shrunk to the board. Then it may be lacquered or sealed by other means.

If you are referring to latex or plastisol transfers then yes, some of those are also done on a clear backing. The latex ones require an expensive digital printer like a Rolland Versacam.

But yeah, I’m not sure about what digital heat transfer would work on wood. Without a white backing it would need to be a transfer with white ink in the design. Or the wood would need to be very blonde.

RhinoTech actually has an inkjet transfer that can go onto many surfaces including mugs, wood and metal. I think it’s inkjet anyway. We’ll have to watch the show video I just did with them for a preview on that. I hope to do a video on that very soon. Maybe we should ask them about that paper. I’m not sure what sizes it will come in however.
Jonathan Monaco
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upperhandprinting
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by upperhandprinting »

Thanks for the info. Do you think a plastisol transfer would work on wood? I'm guessing curing would become an issue.

Ive found plans to print directly on the boards with a curved screen. Exposing will be tough though. I'm guessing I'll need 3 light sources to cover all of the angles. Any ideas on making sure the light doesn't get to the backside of the film?
Craig
Upper Hand Printing - Custom band merch
http://www.upperhandprinting.com
Trumpet The Harlot - My band
http://www.trumpettheharlot.com
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by Catspit Productions »

I would think the plastisol ink would not be good on the wood. It needs to be an ink that will be stable on the wood. You could test it but I’m guessing it would be superficial at best. Meaning it won’t bond well and peel easily. It would have to be sealed up real good for any permanency. But you never know.

As for exposing a screen just use a black piece of fabric on the inkwell side during exposure. I recall you have the basic exposure unit so you might need a black piece of foam to insert inside the inkwell side. Make it go edge to edge as best you can and it should keep light form bouncing on that side. You may need to create a piece of foam with black tape hinges or something to fit this custom screen you’re going to make.

How about sharing the link for those plans? I get asked about this now and then and we can send them to this cool thread you started. Maybe you could add to it after you try some board printing too ;)
Jonathan Monaco
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http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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upperhandprinting
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by upperhandprinting »

Thanks!

After a bit of research, it looks like most people use naz dar 2700. It works well on wood and is water based so it'll dry without curing. I would still use a clear sealant over it to protect it.

I'm going to try and build some screens and a press in a month or so. I'll post it on this thread when it gets done.

Here's the link to the screen plans. I've heard from numerous people this one is the best one to work with.

Wish me luck.

Whoops. Forget the link.
http://www.diyskate.com/screen.html
Craig
Upper Hand Printing - Custom band merch
http://www.upperhandprinting.com
Trumpet The Harlot - My band
http://www.trumpettheharlot.com
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yes, the Nazdar ink sounds perfect.

That’s a killer tutorial and instructions on how to set up a skate board press. I love it. I think I’ll have to add that to the website in the Tips & Advice section under the Print At Home tab. Very cool.

Nice! Awesome Craig. Thanks so much :)
Jonathan Monaco
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http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by Catspit Productions »

Here is a cool video that could help out although it is not about heat transfers.

Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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upperhandprinting
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by upperhandprinting »

Thanks for posting the video. I have seen this one before, but I'm being picky and wanting to print from "tip to tail". I might build a press and print a few like this though. Couldn't hurt to learn this as well. Thanks again!
Craig
Upper Hand Printing - Custom band merch
http://www.upperhandprinting.com
Trumpet The Harlot - My band
http://www.trumpettheharlot.com
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by Catspit Productions »

I figured as much but I thought I would add to the thread for others ;)
Jonathan Monaco
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Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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Re: Skateboard Transfer Paper

Post by RhinoTech »

Check out SinglePrint heat transfer paper for use on hard/multi surfaces. Works w/LASER printerS. and it's weedless! Let us know if we can help.
http://www.rhinotechinc.com/screen-prin ... 5%22x11%22
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