Besides using a medallion or one sided coin, what options are there for putting your brand identification on your bows?
I was thinking of some sort of permanent adhesive label that is flexible that I can put on the butt end of the limbs. But what is thin enough and permanent? Bear and others used something but I can't remember what these labels are called?
Silkscreen?
Not to step on his toes, but dvshunter has an awesome system of "tattooing" osage bows by putting lettering stickers on them and then setting them under a uv lamp (or in a tanning bed lol). When the wood darkens he peels the stickers off to reveal the lighter wood underneath. Its a really cool technique.
I've done decals for sveeral bow companies and my own bows that I build. Put them on, then spray the finish over it. As long as it's not too detailed I can cut out about anything. I'll get a pic up later.
I had a branding iron built. Tony
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/SharpShooter6/DropTine%20Custom%20Bows/003.jpg)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/SharpShooter6/DropTine%20Custom%20Bows/014.jpg)
(http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa473/SharpShooter6/DropTine%20Custom%20Bows/002-1-3.jpg)
Al's decals does silk screens for restoration work on Bear bows. I'm not sure if he does custom work but it might be worth asking.
acaah@aol.com
-Jay
I second Steadmans decals they look great!
Tracy
I build longboard skateboards and I use waterslide decals for graphics and labeling. This is the same stuff temporary tattoos are made with. A quick such online will give you some sources for the paper. As long as your printer can print photo quality you can print them yourself. I put them on over a clear coat and after a few more coats over the top the edges blend in perfectly. The waterslide paper comes in white or clear. I use both types depending on the application. For use under glass you can print your graphic on rice paper. When the paper is wetted out with epoxy the paper melts away leaving just the pigment. This is the way graphics are applied to surfboards. With surf and longboards they are applied under glass fabric but I don't see why it wouldn't work under clear bow glass as well. One last idea is to have your graphic laser engraved on your riser or veneers. I have had a local guy do this for me on both leather and wood. The results have been great and only cost $5 to $15 per project. -Matt