Cheap Alternative for Side Art

[Zinger19]

As we all know side art can get pretty expensive. So here's a cheap alternative that you can try that won't break your budget. It's called decoupage. For those who don't know it's basically just like a clear glue and sealer that will stick and seal your printed image or you can cut something out of magazine if you prefer. You can use pretty much anything. If you want the best then go with the vinyl, but if you want something cheap that's gonna still look good then try to decoupage.

[Zinger19]

Here's an update of my side art to show you how it turned out using decoupage. It cost about $3 for both prints and $8 for the modpodge glue. So essentially $11 for my side art. Which I think is pretty reasonable.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/Zinger19/IMG_2872.jpg

[Dazz]

It looks pretty good... BUT the question is... How durable is it? Not like home cabs have to be extremely durable like cabinets in high traffic areas, but it would be nice to know if it is going to come off if it gets scratched on accident.

[brian_hoffman]

Very Interesting.

[Zinger19]

I know for a fact that it's extremely durable. You don't just glue it on there and your done. You apply the glue over the surface multiple times and it pretty much seals it there forever. My wife actually gave me the idea to do this, because like I've explained before in another post that this is my brother-in-laws christmas present and I needed to do it as cheaply as possible.

But to show how it'll hold up to everyday wear and tear...here's something she made when she was kid.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b53/Zinger19/IMG_2873.jpg

As you can see we have our tv on top of it and it's pefectly fine. I've even slid the tv on it a couple of times. So I think that should prove how durable it is.

[brian_hoffman]

Ill try that. I have some black marble contact paper I got from home depot I was going to use as a cpanel overlay because it looks really sweet! I was thinking of using a thin sheet of lexan ontop to give it a better feel and seal it in case of spills and scratches..; But this may do the trick.

I wonder if they sell that at home depot. Hoy many time do you go over it and how long does it take to dry each time?

[Zinger19]

They sell it at Walmart in the craft section...so getting it will only be problem if you don't have a Walmart in your area or craft store...which is very unlikely....haha.

I'd say give it an hour in between coats, and as many coats as it takes to make it flush and maybe even more just to be safe. Also I'd try a practice piece first...that way your not suprised (like I was) when the paper you use starts to get air pockets. All you have to do is use your finger to work them out. If it doesn't seem to get better apply more glue for it to soak through and continue to work the bubbles out.

And one last thing...put it exactly how you want it because it can be a pain in the butt to move if at all. It seems to dry pretty quick

[SomewhatLost666]

just found this stuff (http://www.tapelites.com/Movies/Movie.asp?Vname=Teaser), you could do some really cool side panel art or maybe even a killer control panel with this stuff...

TapeLites (http://www.tapelites.com/)

[Zinger19]

I can't imagine that being cheap, but it definitely looks pretty cool.