Home made nameplates

[Peter Gillson]

Hi
i have just had a mega session making some nameplates for all of my busts; a relatively inexpensive method Using a home printer and Word.





the process is quite straightforward:

1 - using word text boxes write the text of your name plate and then reverse the text through 180 degrees so it is a mirror image, here is a photo of my screen:



2 - print it out on clear overhead projector sheet - yes you can still buy it! use Avery 2502. A word of caution, some of the cheaper ones you can buy on the WWW can have a slight blueish tint. one tip; set the printer setting to printing on photo paper, on most printers this setting slows the printing slightly so the ink can dry which helps when printing on acetate sheet.

Here is a photo of it straight from the printer sitting on some white card:


3 - on the same side as the printing apply paint. I used gold aerosol paint - lots of very thin coats:



4 - fix thin double sided tape to the painted side of the sheet - i used double sided carpet tape from B&Q.

5 - cut out the name plate, and fix it to the base. The result is a name plate which has the text and goldpaint safely behind the acetate sheet.

you can play with the colour permutations: perhaps a different colour background, or different colour text. If you prefer gold lettering on a black background use a white font and fill the textbox with black.

Peter

 

[scottie3158]

Peter,
That is a cracking idea mate.

 

[Jakko]

Yep, I’ve used that method for names on bases too — very simple, looks very good and because the plastic is on the outside, you’ll never rub the name off or see the letters begin to flake.

 

[Jim R]

That is a very clever, and cheap, way of making smart name plates.
Thanks
Jim

 

[JR]

Nice one Peter, I'll have to read it through several times to fully understand but like the idea.

 

[Peter Gillson]

Glad you like it guys.
Jakko - I first came across this method about 5 years ago and have used it with no problems.
jim - if you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Jakko]

I’m not sure where I got the idea from (could well be I thought it up myself), but it was around 20 years ago. Regardless, IMHO it’s a very simple way to make good-looking nameplates, so it’s good that you posted about it

 

[Peter Gillson]

Hi all

i have produced a pdf explaining the process - basically all of the above but in a single pdf document. I tried to upload it but could I could not find a way of doing it.

for that reason here is a link to a webite I have uploaded it to: https://sarnia-miniatures.co.uk/?wpdmpro=printing-nameplates-at-home

Peter

 

[Jim R]

Thanks Peter
I'll have a look tomorrow when I get to turn on my big computer and printer. I have a box of overhead projector film somewhere as well.
Jim

 

[Jakko]

Jim, keep in mind that it has to be of a type that is suitable for printing on! If you print on regular overhead sheets with an inkjet printer, then the ink will likely just run and get smeared all over the place. If you use them in a laser printer, they have a good chance of melting and sticking inside the printer, which is even worse because you might end up having to disassemble the whole printer to get the gunk out — or even throw the printer away …

 

[Peter Gillson]

Jakko - very true, I use some by Avery, ref 2502 which are printable. You have to ensure you print on the right side or you get a bit of a mess.

Peter

 

[Jim R]

Thanks Jakko and Peter. Fore warned is fore armed. I'll do a little test first.

 

[Jakko]

If you still have the packaging they came in, read that instead of doing a test. Also, don’t test any sheets to see whether they work in a laser printer — like I said, it could ruin the printer by melting inside. Rather, test them by doing something like heating them with a clothes iron. If they can’t stand more than a couple of seconds of that, they won’t last long inside a laser printer (or photocopier) either.

 

[adt70hk]

Thanks Peter for that. Much appreciated.

Andrew