The Zippo Project

Robert Kennedy · Feb 8, 2004

I was just given a new, very plain Zippo. I'm bored, so I'm thinking maybe I should try and print on the case.

Now, this is my question....

How best should I proceed?

I'd be using Liquid Light, and I'd be printing on the metal. Should I sub it, print on it, then cover it in a clear acrylic? Or should I just rough the metal a bit, and print on it without a sub, and then coat the final product? I've never worked on metal before.

cjarvis · Feb 10, 2004

Since no one else seems game, I'll contribute my $.02.

I would sub it and try printing. If it doesn't work out, you can always try the "roughing up" plan, which can't be undone.

Also...I would use shellac. It won't yellow and has been proven to stand the test of time. Acrylic could be affected by UV over time.

Like I said...my $.02.

Aggie · Feb 10, 2004

dr bob · Feb 11, 2004

Aggie said:
use about 1000 grit sand paper available at ace hardware and such to rough the surface. It will do it very very minamially and seem almost like it smooth the surface. it will let things adhere since it will give just a minisucle amount of tooth.

Absolutely. (Actually 500 wet/dry with water will do). And when you finish, clean and degrease thoroughly. When you are satisfied that it is perfectly clean - clean it again. dr bob.

removed account4 · Feb 11, 2004

you could also use lighter fluid to clean it if you end up sanding it down.

i would do as cjarvis suggests, since it is reversable -

good luck!
john

Aggie · Feb 11, 2004

suttonjp · Apr 21, 2004

I was just wondering how the Zippo turned out.

Robert Kennedy · Jun 2, 2004

Still seraching for the right image to go on it. I realized too late that the gold tone of the lighter would make for a difficult print. What with the highlights being gold and all.

Eric Rose · Jun 2, 2004

a nude would look nice.

The Zippo Project

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Privacy & Transparency