""Printing" on to MDF" Topic

I have no idea where to put this, so if I spam the wrong boards, sorry.

I want to make up markers from MDF bases, with the indicator on (eg broken). I don't want bare MDF etched, I want them to be painted with preferably the text on top. I could hand write, but its about regularity, which I can not do, and the font.

Any ideas how to do this?

I don't know if it will work on MDF, but I don't know why it wouldn't. You can iron iron-on transfers on to various types of wood, like balsa. Seal it afterward, or it will peel off.

You could also print detail on a transparency and then glue that onto a painted MDF surface.

Etothepi- similar thoughts turned up with me after I posted, but iron on and waterslide both need inkjet, and I am having to 'borrow' work's laser.

Bashy- interesting. Would there not be a shine?

It shouldn't be too bad and if it bothers you there is always dullcote.

I'd suggest printing on regular paper, or else on label paper (peel-n-stick), mount it on the MDF, and cover with Mod-Podge Matte, to seal them. Let it cure a full two weeks, before stacking them on anything. Trust me, Mod-Podge requires a full two weeks to fully cure; prior to that, if you stack anything on top of it, it will stick to the Mod-Podge, ruining the whole. Cheers!

I second printing to paper. Printing services usually have a variety of papers you can print to (they can also print your design from a graphics file (eg, jpg, bmp, etc.) so you can get really fancy. ;-)

You can use regular laser prints to transfer designs to wood. Just print it out mirrored then use a really hot iron (not one you hope to use m clothes again) and iron the laser print onto the surface. After a few slow swipes the laser 'ink' (plastic beads) will melt and come off on the wood. Supposedly some 'freezer papers' is even better, have a look on YouTube or other DIY sites. Some solvents will also work, by melting the laser ink plastic, but smell, flammability……

You can also buy decal paper for laser printers – a quick search on Amazon should find you plenty of choices.

Thanks, I've found the laser decal.

If want them tougher than waterslide transfer, could go with vinyl labels.

print on coloured paper. Rough up MDF a little with sandpaper. (you might also want to paint the MDF with oil based paint) Glue on with minimal white glue. then seal with spray or brush-on varnish.