Paint Masking Techniques for Painting Labels

[Hoplite]

Hi all.

I am in the process of refurbishing an Elite Throttle Quadrant I picked up on eBay for uber cheap and need some advice.  Here is a generic picture of the unit:



As part of refurbishing the quadrant electronics I also plan to spray paint the body prior to reassembling the unit as the old paint is rather faded.  Pretty cut and dry, I've repainted metal surfaces before....but I'd really like to either preserve the existing labels painted on the throttle or create painting masks so I could apply my own.  

Anyone have experience with this? I've not had much success with Google and I am assuming that repainting will be the better option.   I also assume I'd use software to create the stencil, print it out, cut out the letters and tape the masks down on the surface.  What software should I use?  Is there a specific type of paper out there I should use to do this?

I know this isn't a crafts and hobby forum..but I figured enough geeks are on here that someones has to have done something like this before.  

Thanks in advance...

[BluBerry]

didn't know people still used ebay

[ReVo]

Hi all.

I am in the process of refurbishing an Elite Throttle Quadrant I picked up on eBay for uber cheap and need some advice.  Here is a generic picture of the unit:

(Image removed from quote.)

As part of refurbishing the quadrant electronics I also plan to spray paint the body prior to reassembling the unit as the old paint is rather faded.  Pretty cut and dry, I've repainted metal surfaces before....but I'd really like to either preserve the existing labels painted on the throttle or create painting masks so I could apply my own. 

Anyone have experience with this? I've not had much success with Google and I am assuming that repainting will be the better option.   I also assume I'd use software to create the stencil, print it out, cut out the letters and tape the masks down on the surface.  What software should I use?  Is there a specific type of paper out there I should use to do this?

I know this isn't a crafts and hobby forum..but I figured enough geeks are on here someones done this type of work before. 

Thanks in advance...

You could probably purchase a stencil kit that would closely match the lettering on the throttle. Might not 100% match but probably much easier then any other option.

On a slightly related note. You wouldn't happen to have a decent throttle you would like to let go of?

[tmetal]

You might also consider the rub on style of decal lettering, you can pick that stuff up at just about any hobby or craft store. Paint white over the existing letters, lay down the rub on letters as desired, then paint the whole thing black, once the black is dry peel up the rub on letters to expose the white underneath.

Good luck with the project 

[Nefarious]

You could get some vinyl letters cut... or peel and stick.would be even cheaper.

[Hoplite]

You could probably purchase a stencil kit that would closely match the lettering on the throttle. Might not 100% match but probably much easier then any other option.

On a slightly related note. You wouldn't happen to have a decent throttle you would like to let go of?

Thanks man.  And unfortunately my last quadrant went kaput. ...

[mechanic]

don't know if you guys across the pond have this stuff



but if not I imagine you have something similar for sticking photos on walls and stuff.

cover all the letters with that stuff then peel 'em off and hey presto

The other easy option is to get some thin paper, trace the letters then cut them out with a craft knife. Spray the whole thing then respray the letters with your stencil

[homersipes]

You might also consider the rub on style of decal lettering, you can pick that stuff up at just about any hobby or craft store. Paint white over the existing letters, lay down the rub on letters as desired, then paint the whole thing black, once the black is dry peel up the rub on letters to expose the white underneath.

this +1, I have used this technique several times before and it works great as long as you start with the lighter color first   otherwise it takes lots of coats to cover dark colors.  I am not much of a painter but have managed to spraybomb several motorcycle gas tanks, just using masking tape to cover then cut out the design.

[TopGear]

Take a good picture with a measurement and bring it in to a graphic design shop that deals with vinyl decals.  Better yet would be to bring the unit in and let them do it.  They can print cut decals to match exactly what you have.

[Hoplite]

On a slightly related note. You wouldn't happen to have a decent throttle you would like to let go of?

FYI...if you want something relatively inexpensive...

http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-Three-Throttle-Quadrant-PZ45/dp/B000TCEU4Q

[ReVo]

FYI...if you want something relatively inexpensive...

http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-Three-Throttle-Quadrant-PZ45/dp/B000TCEU4Q

I have one actually. I can't stand it. 

I really wish I could find something closer to the Cougar throttle without having to buy the stick with it.

[Nefarious]

Take a good picture with a measurement and bring it in to a graphic design shop that deals with vinyl decals.  Better yet would be to bring the unit in and let them do it.  They can print cut decals to match exactly what you have.

This. We need the work. They dont call us starving artists for nothing.

[Hoplite]

I have one actually. I can't stand it. 

I really wish I could find something closer to the Cougar throttle without having to buy the stick with it.

  Yeah...I said inexpensive...I should have said "cheap".  Saitek is crap IMHO but it gets the job done some of the time.

The VKB team produced this stand-alone throttle in partnership with a Chinese company:



It's not generally available in the US but you might be able to find it if you search around on some of the Asian online marketplaces....

[Hoplite]

Take a good picture with a measurement and bring it in to a graphic design shop that deals with vinyl decals.  Better yet would be to bring the unit in and let them do it.  They can print cut decals to match exactly what you have.

Thanks TopGear....good idea!  I think this is the approach I will take.  I'm too much a nitpick of my own work to ever get this to work right myself.   

[cpxxx]

There is a simple technique now that all of have our own colour printers. Simply buy a few sheets of blank clear decals as used by modellers. Either make up your own labels or copy them from somewhere on the net and simply print them onto the decal sheets. Cut them out and apply. Alternatively use clear self adhesive sheets. Although I would think decals might look a bit more professional and last longer particularly if you varnish over the decals.

It's very inexpensive. Here's a link which I googled just now. I'm sure there's others:

http://www.micromark.com/Decal-Paper-Try-It-Pack-for-Laser-Printers-and-Copiers,9056.html