Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on October 15, 2021 at 9:48am

Martin, I haven't done it on a guitar yet, but I have transferred images to other projects using waxed paper and a laserjet printer. I've only done it in black and white, assume you could do it in color too. I carefully tape waxed paper to a sheet of printer paper, and after the print is complete quickly apply it to the wood. If you have writing on it you need to invert the image when printing so it comes out correctly on the box. When applying it to the box, lay a towel on the work surface, lay the printed sheet on the towel, then place the cigar box on top and apply some pressure. This helps me avoid smearing things. Also, have the box surface smooth and ideally sealed with some poly or laquer to keep the image sharp. After it has dried, topcoat with spray lacquer or poly (light coats) to protect the image. I wouldn't brush the topcoat, as it might smear the image.

Permalink Reply by Bill Saunders on October 15, 2021 at 12:44pm

Martin, To add to MadGomer's reply - I've done B/W ink transfer using label sheets. Peel the labels off. Print on the sheet using highest resolution. As MadGomer said - reverse the image before printing. Make sure the surface is sanded and smooth. Carefully turn over place the printed image where you want it. Don't let it shift once on the surface. Use a credit card or similar to force the ink onto the surface, working from center out to edges. let dry. Spray a topcoat on. brushing WILL smear it (experienced. My avatar is one I did - its a feline companion image on a 4 stringer I built back in March. Good Luck

Permalink Reply by Tim Arnsmeyer on October 15, 2021 at 1:05pm

I have hear that some builders use old magazines covers. Remember, it’s your box and you can do whatever you want to. I’m always learning new things to do with cigar boxes.

Permalink Reply by Martin on October 18, 2021 at 6:48am

Hi guys,

I found this  and I will try it on the box. It is called a transfermarker. I will post the picture when i am done.Thank you for your time and tips!!

Permalink Reply by Michael Fred Johnson on October 22, 2021 at 6:46am

This on is painted on with oils, the second is a photo, printed on plain paper and stuck on

Permalink Reply by Chad Taylor on October 22, 2021 at 8:24am

Hey Martin,

I won't repost them all here, but here's a link to my third build which has a hand drawn top. So far I've done some type of (hand drawn) art on every build I've completed except for No. 1. In the case of No. 2 and No. 3, I spray-painted the box with a base coat first (standard glossy spray paint). After this, I roughed out a sketch with pencil, then traced in paint pen, erasing the pencil sketch afterwards. Finally after I colored it all with the same paint pens and used a glossy spray to protect the artwork.