In article , "Harry Williams"
writes:

I am working on a project and need to label a chassis. I have used Microsoft
Visio to create a template for the front
and rear of the chassis. I then printed those images on transparent labels.
They look nice but I have two problems.
First if the ink gets damp at all it smears and second its difficult to
apply the label to the chassis without air pockets
forming. I would like to hear from someone that has done this kind of work
and find out whats the best way to label
a project chassis.

I'm not sure what your "transparent labels" are but if they are anything
like decals, I can suggest a way to keept the ink from smearing.

Use a DULL spray fixative available in art stores, possibly the
Michael's chain. Do a "dust coat" (very light spray) on the chassis
and the labels before putting them on. Once they are on the
chassis, overspray again. You might want to finish with a gloss
transparent lacquer.

Too heavy an initial spraying will result in the spray solvent reacting
with the labels and ink. That's why I suggest Fixative...designed
not to react with common art media...if used sparingly. Blair
used to make such Fixative under the trade name "SprayFix."

I've done that for years with art work and with printed plastic cards
that go in the wallet. On chassis, I've done that on aluminum
surfaces that were Alodined or Iridited or chemical-film treated,
then printed directly on the dull lacquer surface with a K&E "Leroy"
lettering pen using some stiff celluloid to hold the lettering guide
and stylus over holes. Ordinary "India Ink" in the K&E pen. In that
case the chassis surface can be sprayed to hold the lettering intact.
That also works with decals of the old kind which are really a
lacquer film base with printing on the lacquer film.

Len Anderson
retired (from regular hours) electronic engineer person