What’s a Cleaner Way to Leave My Mark?

What’s a Cleaner Way to Leave My Mark?

Somewhere I read about using iron-on T-shirt type transfer paper to apply my logo, name, date, etc. that I created on my computer to a wood project I made. After ironing it on, you could apply your finish right over the ink. Of course, now I can’t remember where I read it. I tried this method using some transfer paper I already had but after ironing it on, the paper would not peel off easily and the images were a little smeared. Is there a special transfer paper that will work on wood or is there a better way to do this? – Roger E. Doane

Tim Inman: If you’ll check out the model railroaders’ catalogs, you’ll find transfer paper to do just what you are looking for. It comes in clear or white/black background colors. It is the digital age alternative to an old-fashioned decal. I use it frequently to reproduce furniture trademark logos and labels in my shop. I always include my mark as a “watermark” in the artwork somewhere to be sure it is obvious I’m not just counterfeiting a label.

Chris Marshall: A few years ago, my wife bought me one of those electric personalized branding irons from Rockler to leave my maker’s mark. It doesn’t offer the flexibility of changing dates and other information, but it does make a nice, “authentic” and lasting impression on the wood. And it doesn’t smear. Just another idea for you.

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