Has anyone used basic peal and stick clear labels for making decals? Avery labels has full sheet clear labels that I have run through the color laser at the office. I plan on cutting out the area I need and using it. In this case it is a college logo for my son in law. This will be my third build and I don't want to do something I'll regret. If I use this, should I lay down a thin layer of epoxy, apply the decal, and then an overcoat of epoxy? Or is it OK to apply the decal directly to the blank and then finish with epoxy?

Steve Hartzell
Lake Conroe - Willis, Texas

Hey Steve...try mudhole. they sale college decals that are legit with licensing. They are very nice looking, cheap, and peel and stick.

Steve,
Color laser printers " burn " the image onto the media. In general it is safe to apply epoxy on top of a color laser decal without having the image "melt" away from contact with rod epoxy. Inkjet printer decals as a rule need to be clear coated before contact with rod epoxy. To be safe, I would suggest that you test one of the decals before you try it on your rod. If you have a problem with smearing or melting, first cover the decal with crystal clear Krylon or Papilio clear coating type LLA 5000. These coatings will also provide UV protection and keep the decal from fading over time. Always put down a layer of epoxy, let it dry overnight and them place the decal on the rod. This will give you a consistant background color for clear decals.

James Carnes
Osprey Custom Fishing Rods
Charlotte, North Carolina
www.ospreycustomfishingrods.com
704-589-9601

Before applying it to anything, test the epoxy on the decal to see if it effects the print. If not, apply a coat of epoxy first then the decal and another coat of epoxy.

Apply a layer of epoxy first. Then, apply the decal. I would coat a peel and stick with CP or fixative before coating with finish, because it is possible for the epoxy to attack the adhesive layer of the decal, and separate it from the rest of the decal. The reason for applying epoxy to the rod first is to create a very smooth surface for the decal. If you apply the decal directly to the blank, you may end up with micro bubbles under the decal that cause it to look hazy.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO