How should I apply a message to a finished box
Hi all,
I have built a really nice wooden box for my daughter. I want to apply a message printed from my laserjet printer with vellum or another translucent paper so that the details of the wood are still visible through the message and to give it some nice style. I plan to print the message out and tear around it, then carefully singe the medium with fire to give it some character. I then want to adhere it to the inner box lid. I don’t know the best way to do this and couldn’t really find anything specific to this on Google.
I’m thinking of just using Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane (which I used to seal the box), but I don’t want to ruin it. I have some extra finished wood that I plan to use for testing, but any advice would be of great help.
Replies
I would put on a coat of the finish you used on the box just on the inside of the lid, stick down the message and let it dry. Once dry, put on another coat.
Be sure to test this on some scrap to make sure the finish does not dissolve the toner and cause it to look fuzzy or run. You may have to use lacquer or shellac.
I hesitate to offer this but .....
Such a message becomes a permanent and unavoidable thing if applied as you suggest. That might become an irritant rather than a fond reminder.
For the many wooden items I've made and given to people, I printed out any message in an appropriate style on high quality paper then made a scroll of it, tied with ribbon or with a dollop of sealing wax, and put it inside the piece.
The recipient has the message - can even keep it in the item ..... or put it away leaving just the wooden thing itself. The wooden thing, of course, contains its own reminder and message of how, why and when it was given; and by who.
Just an alternative approach.....
Lataxe
Have the message laser cut into the wood.
I second what Lat Axe said about making it permanent. Especially if the message is meant to be private. The first thing most people do when they see a beautiful box is open it. A ribbon attached to the inside of the lid with a small brass screw would nicely hold a scrolled message.
However, if you do go the permanent route, you should seal the message with spray lacquer before embedding it in the finish. That will keep the ink from running, or if it does run, it will do it before it is a permanent part of the box. Then put on a coat of finish, lay in the message and another coat of finish to make it forever part of the box.
Thank you all, for your suggestions.
The reason I want to put the message in is because I had promised to make her a jewelry box for years. Now that I have the tools needed, she doesn't really have a need for one as much, so I am making a pencil box. She is an artist, and I want to be something she might pass down. But really I just don't want it to end up in someone else's hands. It will be for her and her alone. I would engrave it but I don't have the CNC machine to do it.
Any other ideas are welcome. She loves anime, and is gender fluid. I have thought about putting a famous quote for artists, but have decided that a personal message to her would be more likely to be accepted. My plan is to write "You'll always be my baby girl" - Dad, Christmas 2020
I've had success with a dremel and thin straight bit. I've sealed, engraved, re-sealed, and then painted the letters in. Wipe off the excess, sand & seal again, then topcoat. Make sure you go with non-similar solvents for each step. Shellac sealer, water based paint, oil topcoat is what I've used. You can pretty much use the dremel like a pen.
I found a company here in Houston that that did laser engraving on a project for me and did a great job. $25.
Alternate idea: Engrave, carve, sharpie, or wood-burn your message on a separate thin wood panel and attach it to the underside bottom of the box using rare earth magnets. It's private, semi-hidden, and can always be removed, cherished, and then snapped back into place. It becomes the 'secret-compartment' only you two know about.
Lovely work! I'm sure she will cherish it. These are all good ideas. I've laser engraved directly, used brass plaques and even hidden handwritten messages to be found decades later (hopefully). Please update the thread with some photos of how you ended up doing it.
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