Bear Transfers Unavailable = No More restorations?

[d. ward]

Hey Jeremy all the standard printing is done in standard size lettering.There are a million different sizes but its a standard size with printing companies that fits the transfers..
I would be more then happy to help you guy's out with the solvent ie thinner problems melting the transfers.However it will take me to long to explain the teckno turm and I'am not sure I could.But what happens is the thinner is applaid and is almost as thick or thin if you prefer as your transfers that will allow the transfer to set to long in the thinner before the thinner evaporates causeing the ink to become soft and in some cases run right down the limb.
The best way I ever found to do both transfers and decals is once you have them set.Make your first applacation of new finish a super super thin coat.I normally will kind of not even make a complete covering over the transfer or decal on the first 3-4 coats.I make maybe one or two quick passes and let that track for about 20 minutes pending on your type finish your using.It will almost look orange peel and thats OK.Let it set about 20 min.and then another super thin coat and so on.It takes me just about 2 hours to cover them so they will not melt.Its even better if you can app.your finish over 3-4 days covering the transfers.
Another thing is if you try and cover them with some type of finish on a brush or gun stock finish on a brush or rag.That will wipe the transfers or waterslide right off the limb.Its far better if you can spray over them and really take your time should help solve the problems with melting...bd

[d. ward]

anybody anything yet ? I got one lead on a printer near me that will take a look at what I got.He says the problem is printing only 100 or so is costly.keep me posted bd

[Jeremy]

I'll be testing a few more on plexiglass this weekend.  The issure I'm having isn't with the plastic or ink used, but the pressure-sensitive adhesive.  Do you know what Al was using???

[d. ward]

Jer there actually was no adhesive on Al's decals.They were a bit tacky but that was caused by the transfer paper.I would be more then happy to send you a couple samples of what I have left of the decals to look over and see if that would help ??? keep me posted bd

[d. ward]

Here is some info that may or may not help if we all share what we know I'am pretty certin this bird will fly soon.
One is you can print any transfers any color with a lazerjet printer(not white).The trick is the paper.The paper Al was using at one time was called parchment paper(spelling)and also the heavy heavy duty plastic-ie like wax paper the meat cutter places between your steaks its sold in the bakeing supply section and the meat cutter will usely give you 3-4 feet of the heavy duty stuff for free.That paper would allow the letters to be removed witout sticking.There vinyl letters as Rich mentioned.The letters were pulled off with some type of paper that has or had something to do with iron a print on to your tee shirts type paper kit sold at Staples.I ai'nt got a clue.I can barely answer emails and stuff.
I just looked at a printer that sells for 490.00 and it will print everything needed less white.I showed the guy the sample of the paper and he said they is no problem at all printing on it...they did not sell the tee shirt printing kits there.So I have to go to Staples and check it out.
Al used a digital camera program to resize almost everything with or a photo shop program.I emailed him pics of almost every bear silk screen that he did not have of his own or a good photo.I've emailed him Howatt Drake and many others pics of decals and or silk screens and he would print them and they would be on my door step in 3-4 days.keep me posted if there is anything else you can think of..we gotta get this bird airbone soon..bd

[Jeremy]

The decals I've settled on working with (the ones that required the least $$ for me to get started) are printed on a paper-backed thin plastic in mirror image.  After the ink dries the plastic is coated with an adhesive.  Once that dries you cut it out, place it on the surface and use a soft pencil or something to rub over it.

For the latest test a second layer of adhesive was put on.  It seems to be holding up very well.  Next up will be to put two of 'em on a '56 Kodiak I need to refinish anyway and see how they work out.

[Horney Toad]

I saw a TV commercial for this item. I'll bet you could use it to make decals.

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019IJMTC/ref=asc_df_B0019IJMTC696116?smid=A1ROZDTKM3L1EG&tag=shopzilla_rev_1182-20&linkCode=asn

[d. ward]

Interesting I did check out one type machine like that.It did not do the correct size letters and could not do registry marks.Seems the one from ama.is a little different type machine.I will try and check it out a little more.Thanks toadster you da man..bd

[JL]

Let me get this straight...

The more the decals that are printed, the cheaper they are to print, right?

Just tell them to keep the printer going until they are free.

Problem solved!

Jerry

[d. ward]

I like that idea.Free I can afford..bd

[ses]

they say the dumest question is one u dont ask so here goes  the new kodiak have the decals as the old one and could bear archery still have any of the old stuff or be of any help

[d. ward]

Nope Bear Archery was no help when I checked with them.They were really not even interested at all...bd

[Jeremy]

I'll have an update on some transfers this weekend.  I put a pair of the early 50's standing bear decals on a bow.  I want to put a few more coats of finish over one of them and abuse the snot out of them to make sure they hold up like they should.  If that works out I'll try to get the color right for some of the silkscreens and send a few your way bd.  You too Rich, if'n you ask nicely  

[Jeremy]

Try as I might, I can't get the lighter colored decals to work out without having a white ink in the mix, and I can't get that done without big $$$.

Good luck to anyone else working on this!

[d. ward]

Hi Jeremy I'am at the point I may have to go to the silk screen printer and have boxes made.Its a one time charge.Might be the way to go..bd

[Jeremy]

I was thinking the same thing bd.

One thing to think about: you can have it silkscreened on one of the transfer papers.  I know it would work with the paper I'm using and I'm assuming it'd be fine with many of the other options as well.  At least then you could maybe sell the transfers to the DIY'er and do silkscreens on the ones you refinish.