Anyone have a good process of making enclosure graphic overlays at home?
I wouldn’t call it “good”, but I will often lay out a panel using Illustrator (or other design program capable of accurate layout), print it to full-sheet peel-off ink-jet labels, which I’ll then cut out and stick directly to the case. You can even do this to a bare case and drill/cut any openings through the label using it as a guide, though it’s easy to tear the label this way (not that you couldn’t just print out another one).
If weather / wear-proofing is an issue (inkjet ink is prone to running if any moisture splashes on it), I’ll overlay the label with stick on clear adhesive plastic, or strips of mylar packing tape in a pinch.
This all works, but it would be nice to have a better way (like an inexpensive service that would print you out a nice self-adhesive plastic label?)
I print out the label on plain white paper, then laminate this on a laminating machine. The label is then cut out and glued to the case with spray adhesive. Any holes can be cut out with a hobby knife.
I understand that some people print on special transparent sheets with a colour laser or inkjet printer. The image is printed in reverse, so it can be flipped over to protect the image from scratching. It would then be glued to the case with spray adhesive in the same manner.