Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Go to Page...
Discuss the various aspects of heat pressed vinyl transfers. Popular and new types of vinyl media, suppliers, vinyl cutters /plotters, press times, quality, how to instructions and more can be found in this heat press sub forum.
Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Why did you post this under Printmojo? Do they do decks?
If you posted here in error, you can click on the 'report bad post' button and have a mod move it to a better section where it's more likely to be seen.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
I did not know where to post my question. I have seen zazzle's website. The thing is I'm starting my company and I would like to be as independent as possible initially. I would like to purchase the materials I need and create my decks. I'm an artist so I hold my work dearly. I'm just having trouble finding the right information regarding this subject. I have an Epson 9800, unfortunately Epson has discontinued their adhesive vinyl and my printer is unable to print solvent ink. So I'm feeling rather disappointed after 3 months of research. I'm a new business owner in school so my mind is on its tippy toes right now. I want to be thorough as I can as well as successful.
I am truly grateful for all info.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Quote:
Originally Posted by Koscarcbiz
I did not know where to post my question. I have seen zazzle's website. The thing is I'm starting my company and I would like to be as independent as possible initially. I would like to purchase the materials I need and create my decks. I'm an artist so I hold my work dearly. I'm just having trouble finding the right information regarding this subject. I have an Epson 9800, unfortunately Epson has discontinued their adhesive vinyl and my printer is unable to print solvent ink. So I'm feeling rather disappointed after 3 months of research. I'm a new business owner in school so my mind is on its tippy toes right now. I want to be thorough as I can as well as successful.
I am truly grateful for all info.
That clears up your question a bit more
If you have the budget for it, I think you could print skateboard decks with a DTG printer ($20,000+) or with a print and cut vinyl machine like a Roland Versacamm ($15,000+)
You could probably also hand paint, spray paint or airbrush them
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Rodney I greatly appreciate your info. I would like to keep my startup as cost effective as possible. 15-20k is out of my range. I just received an email from a company suggesting heat transfer. Are you familiar with this process? If so could you give me details about it such as could I do it myself and materials etc. Thanks again
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
I may be wrong don't take me 100% but I think I was told once before that some people heat transfer skateboards as well. Maybe you would need a sublimation system and a heat press that could press a skateboard. I am not sure though
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Kenneth,
I have seen everything from skateboards to guitars done with a VersaCamm. I was just recently at Fender and they have some great stuff. Most of the time they cover the substrate with a clear coat to protect the design and allow it to handle some beating. I know you said that you don't have the capital for a VersaCamm right now, but that does not mean you can't find a local sign shop that can do the work for you until you sell enough to get one yourself. I have seen a used VersaCamm SP go for around $8,000 from time to time. Just something to consider.
As far as heat transfers (and sublimation if you have a polyester coating on your board), sure they can work. However, you would only be able to put the design on the flat section of the deck because the heat transfer would have to be cured with a heat press (which is flat). The other thing I would be worried about is all wood has moisture in it. Heating the board up could cause some warping issues as the moisture will try to come out. There are several companies that do sublimation on snowboards, but most of them use a vacuum blanket oven (very expensive process).
A dtg printer can do this as well, but you would still need to put the clear coat after you put the design on the board and the dtg inks are not UV resistant like the eco-solvent inks used by the VersaCamm. If you want to digital print directly to the board, then you might want to look at one of the solvent direct printers.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
DAGuide, I appreciate the info you gave. I wish I could afford the solvent ink equipment. I spoke with a company today saw their prices and got excited. Then I looked into the printers thats when disappointment settled in again... I want to produce the best quality work that I can with my available resources. In regards to zazzle I received an email from a sk8 company owner and designer he said their boards suck. I don't know and I don't want my work discredited...Back to google
Thanks again
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
You can get other inkjet vinyl and cut it down to 8.5 x 11 or whatever size your printer can handle. In a thread at the uscutter forums, several people have done this using samples from MacTac. Also, it doesn't need to be solvent printed, you can always apply an adhesive laminate over the print, though it will take some practice.
Are these boards are made to be used or displayed?
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
I would also consider the part where daguide suggested outsourcing just the printing part, to someone with a solvent printer such as a versacamm, and then apply them yourself. It shouldn't take to much to have them printed by outsourcing just the printed vinyl. We have a great referrals and recommendations section here, where you could try to find a referral to someone who could print just the vinyl for you. Just a thought. Hope this helps.
__________________
Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~~~Mark Twain BobbieLee
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunnydayz
I would also consider the part where daguide suggested outsourcing just the printing part, to someone with a solvent printer such as a versacamm, and then apply them yourself. It shouldn't take to much to have them printed by outsourcing just the printed vinyl. We have a great referrals and recommendations section here, where you could try to find a referral to someone who could print just the vinyl for you. Just a thought. Hope this helps.
That is what I was trying to say above. You don't have to pay for the equipment if you can find someone just to print and cut the design for you. Then you do the weeding and apply it to your boards yourself. Most local sign shops will have a printer / cutter that can do this type of work. The cost for doing this is going to be more than if you owned the equipment, but that will allow you to start to build a business and save some money to buy the equipment when you are ready. Just something to consider.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Mark and Bobby Lee have given you some very good advise. Remember even very big companies like Boeing and GE outsource some of their work.
btw laminating the print would be a must.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
Don't be afraid to outsource your art to someone who has a Versacam. We do only custom imprinting for our clients and never market their art as our own. Our clients range from the largest Museums, "former fortune" 500 companies, Galleries, and street artists. There are plenty of honest printers out there. My advice outsource and save your money. Concentrate on what you do best if you are a designer, then design. Let the printers spend their money on equipment and print. Most printers, don't design, don't sell peoples art, only print.
Re: Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks
My old boards were all screenprinted graphics. I dont know what they are doing today but I dont think printed vinyl is the answer. The first rail you hit the vinyl is going to shred and it probably isnt going to be very slick. A smooth surface is the key as all graphics are going to get chewed up. I would think for different solid colors on the bottom you would shoot them with a spray gun. I then think you could screen your art.
This is a discussion about Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks that was posted in the Vinyl Cutters (Plotters) and Transfers section of the forums.
Who knows how to print designs for skateboard decks 
