Hi all
I just thought of something I may want to try with the rod I am building. I am wanting to print a picture of a fish off of my computer to inlay on to the rod. What I am wanting to know is can I just use photo paper and print it off to size and place it where I want it to go on the rod and put a thin coat of thread epoxy over it like I would do to a regular decal or would I have to find somebody that does decals to make one up for me? I am trying to find the cheapest way to do this I looked at decal connections web site and seen what they charge to do decals and I am not wanting to spend that much. So what I would like to know is will my Idea work if so has anyone out there ever tried it and if so can you tell me how they turned out or even email me pics. if you have them so I can see how they look.
Thank you
Tyler

I am sure it would work, but I would think the picture would not last very long and fade pretty quickly, just my opinion.

Yes, it works and the picture doesn't fade. I've done it several times, e.g. the South Park boys for a friend of mine (a South Park freak), the Tiger from Pooh tales for a friend of mine's five year old daughter. Everything turned out great. I will e-mail you some pictures.

Print and cut the picture then put on the blank and soak with color presever (I use Trondak U-40 Color Lock). Do not brush the picture for a long time as colors and paper edges can melt (if there's a failure, remove the pic and print again). Let it dry overnight and cover with thread epoxy. Have fun!

I have been placing pictures on rods since the 80's and it is best to use the slick photo paper other wise the liquids darken regular paper.Try to peel off the back of the photo so the picture is as thin as possible and glue it to the blank and apply finish. I have never used CP, you don't need it. I encapsulate pictures in grips now rather than putting them on the blank. Jesse

Decal Connection seems very reasonable to me pricewise. If you do make your own, stick with Epson printers. Their inks are more long lasting than that done on the Lexmark or HP printers.