How To Add Labels and Graphics to Pedal Enclosures | DIY Stomp Box Tutorials by StompBoxParts.com

DIY methods for adding labels and graphics to pedal enclosures. The goal is to use as many common (or at least inexpensive) tools necessary to build pedals. If you're building at home or doing one-offs this is a great method to take your builds up a notch!
The labels I used are: MACO ML-4005 8.5" x 11" Clear Laser & Ink Jet Labels
*I said 9.5" in the video. That is incorrect. Oops!*
Enclosures and other parts for pedals available at stompboxparts.com
***Stomp Box Parts will not be held liable or in any ways responsible for any injuries, damages, or illness due to attempts at reproducing or modifying methods in this video***

[@TheAaron3dg]

4:10 the corner trick to test the label is great! Awesome series, I just started building pedals and your guides have been very handy

[@LuthiersApprentice]

I'm sure everyone else had this thought too. But if you did need a part of the design to be white, you could just paint that part of the enclosure white ahead of time and leave the design clear in the file.

[@neilwishart3162]

Never thought about punching the holes with a pen. I use masking tape to hold it to the box then use a light source behind to see the holes. Great video.

[@chayarhchannel]

Tried out the sticker method. A thousand times easier, thanks for the advice! ✌

[@damianp3305]

The only disadvantage of this method I experienced is that once I torque nuts of pots and switches the washer behind twists the label in those area and bubbles occur. Also over the time (after 1-2 years) label due to debris and dust starts to peel off on the edges. Still most of my pedals are done this method and they are nice looking and quick to do. Nowadays I use mod podge method but it takes much more time to do quality job and very often I need to repeat process 3-5 times since paper and mod podge is not forgiving option.

[@StompBoxParts]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@MrPaolo101]

Great advice!. Ive been doing it this way for some time and have had some really professional results.

[@fataldiz133]

Excellent method! Seems a professional process, overall. Keep on the great job!

[@munnymanpedals2180]

Thank you soo much for these instructional videos! Soo helpful!

[@wasperminingco]

I recommend cut vinyl instead. The adhesive on those clear sheets will break down pretty quick.

[@sgtrutters5892]

Stilts for reaching the high parts

[@StompBoxParts]

These are some really tall pedals.

[@jefflogan334]

Great video. Nice smooth process.

[@darklight4815]

Excellent video,gonna be trying this soon on some builds

[@johanarens9798]

Hey thanks for your video, this is exactly what I want to do :) Question though, I'm planning to paint my pedal in back and the logo and text would be yellow, based on your experience, would it work with yellow ?

[@flukyreview9128]

Excellent thank you for sharing this information

[@chrisbardolph]

I’ve had luck with waterslide decals and spray polyurethane.

[@TedSchoenling]

This is cool, but there is something I just love about the extreme DIY look of my paint pens. Nobody could ever confuse my pedals for 'pro' and that is the point. They are hand crafted

[@StompBoxParts]

Paint pens FTW

[@jackhall1392]

I’m having trouble with the transparent vinyl sticker paper because it makes the colors of my design transparent as well. I put it on my painted pedal and it doesn’t look good at all. Am I doing something wrong?

[@StompBoxParts]

Like a lot of things in this hobby, the method in this video is one way that worked well for me . You may have to do some trial and error to nail down what you're personally looking for!

[@nujazzique]

I have an assembled Zen Drive clone built by a friend of mine. Which method you'd recommend to label the controls without taking it apart? Thank you!

[@mearimfishing3394]

NICE !!!!

[@vintageb3]

Do you cover the pedal enclosure with a box to simply keep dust off the drying clear coat? Thanks!

[@StompBoxParts]

Yup!

[@TheSLOdriver]

Is the mist coat the same paint as the clear?

[@StompBoxParts]

Yes. A "mist coat" of the clear versus a light/standard/heavy/etc coat.

[@Freddytacvbito]

So do you pull out all the electronics from the pedals??

[@StompBoxParts]

The primary intent is for pedals being built fresh, but this could be applied to an already built pedal if disassembled.

[@herald9]

Can I use an ink printer or is laser necessary? Also, will these peel away over time?

[@StompBoxParts]

Follow the recommendations of the labels you buy. If it's ink, make sure the ink has time to dry. Maybe do the mist coat on the decal prior to cutting to protect the ink from handling. These will not peel away over time in you follow the instructions in the video. The decal must be cut out so it fits on the flat area of the enclosure. The clear coats over top of the label/enclosure will keep the label secured down. Details are in the video.

[@smarkalet9078]

Is Klop a play on Klon?

[@StompBoxParts]

sure is!

[@djohnson2499]

Does this work with color graphics and/or printing on dark paint?

[@StompBoxParts]

Depends entirely on the limitations of your printers. If you can print color, yes. Experimenting and knowing your equipment and tools is key!

[@scuttlepuddle]

is it okay to use printers like in the office?

[@StompBoxParts]

That's what I used in this video, just an office laserjet printer.

[@dante8960]

What do I do if I want white font?

[@StompBoxParts]

If you're trying to use the method in this video you'll need to find white toner. Unfortunately it's not widely available for more printers, and if you find it it is usually expensive. Other methods include: creating a stencil (using a cut out on a vinyl sticker) and spray painting the white in, silk screen, or UV printing. Unfortunately white printing is not as simple to achieve.

[@dante8960]

@@StompBoxParts ok, thanks for your help!

[@Sharkbate211]

@@dante8960 you could try creating an off white colour. I'm making one with a very white creme colour and it prints fine

[@rtbemt]

@@Sharkbate211 would you be able to describe this process Ina little more detail? I'm building an off shoot of the TS808 and wanted to keep the original color scheme of dark green and white.

[@Sharkbate211]

@@rtbemt I used photoshop to print a graphic on a clear decal. Because I wanted the graphic to have colour and white combined, I just slightly changed the white so it was a crème colour instead of pure white, to trigger the printer into printing it