glass graphics using Water Slide Decals

[gwslotting]

Back then this post discussed glass graphics to replace worn out, fainted glass graphics, decals etc.

http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=15398.msg82254#msg82254
For the DIYs, and those that want to put up their own designs on glass, any comments using water slide decals and photoshop ?

Here's one person approach...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9O38BfjJyk

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Sorry, no photos. Don't know if it is legal to take snapshots form other's  Youtube )

This method not for the pure antique slot machine collector, of course.

[rickhunter]

I had never thought of doing it that way, but it sure makes a lot of sense.  The issue most of the times is the back lighting on these things.  If the colors used are not solid enough (or they let too much light through) it makes them washed out, blacks begin to appear grey, etc.  I would think the water slide decals would be too thin to have any significant amount of light block.  Putting on the paint as he does might make it a bit better, but not sure how bright a color like red would look.  It would be interesting to try it out on a small graphic, like the belly badges on alpha 1 machines.

[gwslotting]

thanks for the input.  Yes, there area solid and a clear waterslides films available.  You're correct. Both will not produce the same color on glass and the brightness of the background light. But for custom created graphics, thats' all a matter of artistic taste.


My main concern really is, without trying it, if some light bulb design behind the glass will be too warm over time to ruin the color and the film.  Maybe put one of those cheap small LED thermometer behind the glass to check first

[rickhunter]

Any long term exposure to light will eventually fade any graphic.  Bally uses leds for a lot of the backlighting in alpha cabinets and the graphics still fade.  Of course these machines are on 24x7 for years at a time.  In a home environment, it is unlikely you will ever have to deal with fading as an issue unless you keep the machine on 24x7 for years.