The SSL = Pt 2

As mentioned in the previous post, I'm constructing the front panel for an SSL mixbus compressor at the moment that will be put together by Lach from Earthling designs. There are a few articles around about different ways of labeling your front panels, but I have opted for the "Lazertran" method. Lazertran is a product available in A4 or A3 sheets from art supplies stores. There are two main types, the first being Lazertran for lazer printers, and the second being Lazertran for inkjet printers.

While I was researching for the construction of my panels, I found some pretty good information in regards to Lazer printer Lazertran, but very little on inkjet. I've experimented a lot, and now know how to use the inkjet Lazertran for making front panels for audio equipment, so I thought I'd write a tutorial so that others can avoid the mistakes I made while working it out!

1. Design your front panel in photoshop or similar. You'll then have to devide it in two so that it will fit on an A4 piece of paper.

2. Print the design onto plain paper and cut it out. I used a sharp razor blade on a cutting board to keep my lines strait.

3. Use a regular glue stick to glue the layout to your panel, then drill your holes using the design as a drill template.

4. Scrub the template off your panel and sand with very fine wet and dry until you are happy with the finish.

5. Print your design onto the Lazertran and wait 30 minutes for the ink to dry properly.

6. Cut out your design.

7. Fill a shallow dish with warm-hot water and soak each piece of Lazertran. After about 30 seconds, you will be able to remove the Lazertran from its backing paper.

8. Lay your design onto your panel. You can move it around quite well while it is wet, so try to get it strait before it dries. Carefully push out air bubbles, but be careful because too much rubbing can wear at the ink.

9. Place in the sun if possible, or just in a warm area, and wait for the clear parts of the lazertran to go white, this is when the Lazertran is dry. DON'T PANIC, the Lazertran is now white, but we're about to make it go see through!

10. To make the Lazertran clear, you need an OIL BASED VARNISH. Even some varnishes that say oil based don't work, so I would suggest using one of the following:

- Plasti-Kote Fast Dry Enamel

- White Knight Clear Gloss

I've tested both and know that they work so try to get your hands on some.

Simply spay a light coat onto your panel once every hour or so (of course it doesn't matter if it's longer) until you've built up enough of a coating that you can't see the edges of the lazertran any more.

VIOLA, a professional looking panel, DIY.

Take it easy,

Nick.