Pepakura and cosplay

[Waldham]

Hello, I have a question about the pepakura and cosplay.

Is it possible to use an iron-on transfers to apply it on a surface coated with the resin ?

If I understood the differents steps :
1/ Craft the pepakura model with paper.
2/ Then, apply a layer of resin on the model, outside and inside.
3/ Paste the fiberglass on the model, outside and inside.
4/ Finally, apply a new layer of resin and paint his/her model.

But instead painting the model, is it possible to apply a iron-on transfer on the surface of a model coated with the resin ?

Thanks for your future answer.

 

[Looch]

Never tried it. Keep in mind iron-on transfers are set up backwards, so you probably wouldn't be able to free the backing from it. Try a piece and let us know!

 

[Kevin Gossett]

I think you're missing a few steps in there... (body filler and sanding--the bulk of the work)

And iron-on transfers wouldn't work... Compound curves, plastic, and heat. Look into decals.

 

[Uridium]

As stated above, you are missing a large piece of the work.
The steps I take are as follows:

1. Build the 'paper' model (i use 200gsm printer card stock)
2. Apply a coat of Resin outside (maybe 2 coats)
3. Fiberglas the inside.
3b. I sometimes 'Rondo' the inside to take the sharpness off the fiberglass (Rondo = 50%Bondo mixed with 50%Resin)
4. Apply body filler on the outside (AKA 'Bondo'... in the UK I buy one called 'Isopon P38')
5. Sand down the Bondo till smooth.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until your arms fall off.
7. Primer and paint.

I would suggest that Iron-On stickers wont work. I presume you could use a stick on decal (the type you put on cars, motorcycle helmets etc) on top of your paint. Then you could finish off with a clear gloss, depending on how you want your finish to look.

Please Note: I'm sure different people have different steps. This above is just how I've been working.

 

[Waldham]

Thanks Looch, Kevin, Uridium for your help.

If the surface coated with a polyester polish (not sure for the technique words in english) before apply the iron-on transfer, do it function or not ?

Information found on the web about the printing on the surfboard :

For larger surfaces, some sublimation techniques on fiberglass exist. The quality of detail is low and printing is "mesh" style if you look closely. If the amount of ink is mismanaged, the resin does not cling well to the fiberglass and it is the overall structure of the plank is weakened. (cf Enzymage / glass fiber coating)

There is finally a solution deco fabric insert during manufacture. This was developed Surf-designs. Depending on the type of fabric used and the type of ink, the result will be very different. Our system strengthens your plate without adding weight. The fabric is extremely thin (25g/m2) and slightly more elastic than the glass fiber. The flex is kept and depressions is reduced. The decor is well protected by layers of resin.

 

[Uridium]

Could you add the link to where you found that info.

Also, what are you trying to add the decal to? As Kevin said, you may have problems with areas that are curved too much. A surfboard is pretty much a large flat area (maybe a slight curve in one direction).

 

[Waldham]

Link here