Author Topic: Wilsonart custom laminate (Read 8845 times)

TrickyFishy · « **on:** August 02, 2003, 10:01:06 pm »

Has anyone tried Wilsonart's custom laminate service? You can send them your artwork and they will print it into the laminate.

http://wilsonart.com/design/custom/index.asp

Anyone know what it costs?

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #1 on:** August 02, 2003, 11:00:38 pm »

Quote from: TrickyFishy on August 02, 2003, 10:01:06 pm

Has anyone tried Wilsonart's custom laminate service? You can send them your artwork and they will print it into the laminate.

http://wilsonart.com/design/custom/index.asp

Anyone know what it costs?

well I was looking for something like this but everyone here told me "no one actually prints on formica".
now how does it work ?

they accept like photoshop format ?

I am done with my cabinet but good to know.....

JoeB · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2003, 11:49:29 pm »

According to their web site they accept photshop or TIFF format!!

Anyone wanna give it a shot??

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2003, 12:18:38 am »

I sent a mail asking about pricing.

shmokes · « **Reply #4 on:** August 03, 2003, 02:27:18 pm »

It's going to be SOOOOOO expensive. There's no economy of scale going on with a custom job. Just to give you an idea of how much non-standard laminates can cost a single 4'x8' sheet of their natural brushed aluminum laminate cost me $200. This isn't even a custom job, just more expensive materials, I guess.

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #5 on:** August 03, 2003, 08:57:46 pm »

True, it may be really expensive. Thats what I'm expecting but consider this: if you are going to use laminate anyway AND you are going to have decent artwork printed at kinkos it *may* come out close consindering how durable and long-lasting it may be.

Hard to say. Laminate has cost me $70 for a 4x8 sheet plus Kinkos is going to cost me $380 for adhesive backed vinyl printing.

If it cost me less than $600 it might be worth it.

vusteveii · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2003, 09:03:03 pm »

try calling a sign shop for vinyl printing. everything kinko's does is expensive.

steve

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #7 on:** August 06, 2003, 12:59:25 am »

From Wilsonart:

For digital print, the high end of the cost range is approximately $10.00 per square foot.

---------------------

That's not bad at all! I sent another mail asking about the printing process etc.

night · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2003, 01:12:44 am »

ouch.
i bought some wilson art from lowes for 40 a sheet.

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #9 on:** August 06, 2003, 01:33:18 am »

Right, but this would be pre-printed with your digital artwork and would not peel up etc.

Considering I paid $60 for a sheet plus I'm going to pay $10 sqft to have artwork printed at a sign shop (its $15 sqft at Kinkos), had I known I would have gone this route.

shmokes · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2003, 11:24:30 am »

Yeah, that's nae bad at all. I wonder if I could have purchased a 4'x8' sheet of marigold for regular-price+$20 for a couple square feet of side art. I would have been all over that. I take back all the bad things I said.

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #11 on:** August 06, 2003, 05:41:06 pm »

HEY HEY !
$10 sq feet doesnt sound bad at ALL ! !
any set up fee or other extra "hidden" charges?
Or just $10 sq feet for the whole process ?
(now I feel like building another cabinet)

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2003, 12:09:15 am »

More responses from Wilsonart:

Q: How is the image applied? How durable is it?

A: Yes, the $10 psf cost does include the laminate cost. The digital printing is done on paper and then that paper is laid up into the laminate sandwich, so the surface is as durable as all standard high pressure laminates.

Q: for a background color, do I base it on a Wilsonart
stock color or are all the colors derived from my artwork?

A: The background color will be derived from your artwork. Howvever, there are some limitations to printing really large areas of a single solid color.

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2003, 12:26:31 am »

Huh, this might be a neat idea for control panel art instead of the usual "printout underneath plexi" router. Hmmm.

AlanS17 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2003, 12:34:24 am »

DAMN! Now I know what I wanna do to cover mycontrol panel. Too bad I already bought lexan and cut it...

Ok, so now I know what my next project will involve. It's less expensive, more durable, and way cooler. It's a win/win/win situation!

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #15 on:** August 08, 2003, 12:28:10 am »

more info:

Q: Is it possible to have portions of your image to be transparent allowing the color of the laminate to show through?

A: Depending on the background color, digital imaging may or may not work. We print on overlay which is then laid up on top of one of our base papers. In all cases, if the background color is medium to dark in range, the digital overlay will cause it to become cloudy and murky in appearance. It won't be clean like it looks in a standard laminate, because of the extra overlay involved.

If you were to print say a circle in red or yellow or really any color and then press it on top of a Nebula pattern or a Maple woodgrain, you would get the design of the base paper coming through the print. The only way you wouldn't see transfer through the print, is if the background is white.

<TrickyFishy>So basically to get your artwork to reproduce 100% choose a white laminate and have your artwork dictate all the color</TrickyFishy>

Q: Is there a minimum purchase / minimum size requirement?

A: No minimum purchase requirement, the minimum sheet size is 3'x8'.

jakejake28 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 08, 2003, 12:49:24 am »

Quote from: TrickyFishy on August 08, 2003, 12:28:10 am

<TrickyFishy>So basically to get your artwork to reproduce 100% choose a white laminate and have your artwork dictate all the color</TrickyFishy>

see tho, thats really not bad. just get white laminate and cover enough of it that it doesn't look plain, like the robotron cab...

Frostillicus · « **Reply #17 on:** August 09, 2003, 06:39:57 pm »

This has potential - so theoretically I would only need say one large 3x8 sheet printed, which will have both pieces of sideart for my cab on it. that'd be $240 before tax or shipping. I wonder how durable it is...would it scratch if it was control panel overlay material? Could look better than plexi if the printing process is good...

Brax · « **Reply #18 on:** August 09, 2003, 10:11:46 pm »

They say on their website that it has the same durability that their normal laminate has. The only difference is that it's slightly more brittle before installation.

They have examples of resturants using it for their tabletops. It can't get much more of a workout than that.

TrickyFishy · « **Reply #19 on:** August 09, 2003, 10:52:55 pm »

I agree. I don't think you can get a better / stronger finish than laminate without resorting to stone!

Frostillicus · « **Reply #20 on:** August 09, 2003, 11:23:26 pm »

I guess I was talking about the artwork getting smudged off or something, but apparently they sandwich it within the laminate layers? Is that correct?

and who's gonna be the first to get some custom artwork laminate...

Tailgunner · « **Reply #21 on:** August 10, 2003, 02:03:33 am »

Thinking about it, Wendy's used to have their tabletops made with custom printed laminate like we're discussing. I've never seen one of those tables with the images worn off, so I'd surmise a cab featuring such artwork would still look new a couple of lifetimes from now.

MrSaLTy · « **Reply #22 on:** August 10, 2003, 05:28:08 am »

This sounds VERY interesting..... I wonder, did they say photoshop images only? or can it be Illustrator files? My new panel is going to be quite large and I think i'm going to have to go vector.

Brax · « **Reply #23 on:** August 10, 2003, 08:13:25 am »

Quote from: MrSaLTy on August 10, 2003, 05:28:08 am

This sounds VERY interesting..... I wonder, did they say photoshop images only? or can it be Illustrator files? My new panel is going to be quite large and I think i'm going to have to go vector.

Step 2:

Determining the Proper Electronic Format
If you have an original piece of art, we

Brax · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2003, 08:31:41 am »

Wilsonart International
Custom Laminate Artwork Formatting Guidelines
The best type of file for custom laminate is a vector-based file. This is due to the fact that resolution is not a concern with vector based files and therefore we can enlarge an image as much as we need to without a problem
with clarity.
For vector based files we prefer the following file formats:
1. Adobe Illustrator:
Save using a .ai or extension (ex: file .ai) save the file as an illustrator file.
Compatibility: Version 9
Also, you can save using a .EPS extension as an EPS file. Compatibility:
Version 9 Preview: None (For PC)
Version 8 or before (For Mac)
2. Freehand:
Version 9 and before. You can also export as an EPS file. Make sure all imported files are embedded.
Very important: On all vector based files: Convert all fonts to outlines (or paths) this is the ONLY way to insure that we will be able to print the fonts you want.
Also, if colors are specified as pantones in the file, we will match to pantone colors. Otherwise, please send a hard copy showing the colors you are needing. When specifying pantone colors please use UNCOATED colors.
For photos:
When scanning photos you need to know the size the picture will be enlarged to when made into custom laminate. At full, finished size the digital file of the
photo will need to be no less than 72dpi. 100 dpi is a better resolution but depending on file size, you may not be able to get this much resolution. We usually try to keep the file size under 350 Meg.
So, if you are scanning a photo at a 1:1 ratio, scan at either 72 or 100 dpi. If the photo will have to be enlarged 200%, the scan will have to be 200 dpi.
3. PhotoShop for photographic work.
Version 6.0 or before. Save files as .tif or .psd files. If your artwork is in layers in Photoshop, please send the files to us in layers. Also, for color matching purposes we will need a hard copy of the colors you want to see.
If the file originated in illustrator or freehand please send us the original file instead of a PhotoShop file.
For Inlays:
Autocad: Version: AutoCAD Lt. 97
This if for the INLAY PROCESS ONLY. Please do not send an
AutoCAD file for graphic image or silkscreen.
Save the file as a dxf file, make sure that all work is on layer zero. Each individual shape needs to be a polyline, not individual lines. Example: a square should not be 4 lines that represent a square, it should be an actual solid object. Also, please try to avoid any duplicate shapes (lines on top of
identical lines)
We can also use the following formats.
Corel Draw:
We are able to read files Version 8.0 or earlier FOR PC. If you have a Mac based Corel file you need to export the file as an EPS file. For extra insurance have the file exported as an illustrator file. (.ai) also. Corel files cannot be used for the graphic process. We will have to convert the file to an EPS format. Therefore, keep the file size as small as possible. Corel tends to expand rapidly when converted to EPS files.
Do not send a PageMaker file or a Quark Express file.
We can reed a 3

MrSaLTy · « **Reply #25 on:** August 10, 2003, 02:31:42 pm »

Dude!!! Brax lays the full smackdown on the info. Thanks for the Info man
thats really helpfull. Now.... anyone else thinking about doing this.

Brax · « **Reply #26 on:** August 11, 2003, 12:32:23 pm »

I'd love to. I'm definitely considering this when I get around to artwork.

On a side note... Can you imagine using this to make replica classic cabs? Any painted cabs would be amazing! Pac Man, Defender... Artwork that lasts forever!!

AlanS17 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 11, 2003, 02:54:11 pm »

Quote from: Brax on August 11, 2003, 12:32:23 pm

I'd love to. I'm definitely considering this when I get around to artwork.

On a side note... Can you imagine using this to make replica classic cabs? Any painted cabs would be amazing! Pac Man, Defender... Artwork that lasts forever!!

I think I'd rather have a truly authentic machine...

said7 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 11, 2003, 04:20:54 pm »

What about possibly a group purchase for people that want to do their CP overlays?

One person could take the order from everyones files and cut em up. Id love to get this done but I certianly dont need a sheet that big just for my cp.

What you guys think?

AlanS17 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 11, 2003, 04:33:42 pm »

I *might* be in... (don't wanna make any promises yet)

soslo · « **Reply #30 on:** August 12, 2003, 04:02:25 pm »

said7, word. I only need a 23" x 6.5" piece for my CP...perhaps we can all give our CP/Side graphics to one person, and then have it printed on the same piece and cut...
my CP is barely over a SF, but say 1.5 to 2 SF with a big black border - that is pretty cheap...as cheap as scratch resistant acrylic and photo paper!

u_rebelscum · « **Reply #31 on:** August 13, 2003, 03:12:56 am »

Color art with white background, hmmm... sounds perfect for reproducing this side art, with room for maybe 4-8 CP tops (6" tall side, leaving room for 2-4 CPs per side;):

soslo · « **Reply #32 on:** October 07, 2003, 10:13:20 am »

has anyone done this yet?

pathdoc2 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 07, 2003, 11:53:44 am »

Are there any legal issues to consider. I'd like to reproduce a classic game as well but would they be willing to print an unlicenced copy. Just a thought.

hyiu · « **Reply #34 on:** October 07, 2003, 12:16:34 pm »

wow... we're pressing for better qualities every time I read on this site.... dammm...

custom graphics laminate... hmmm....

if I do another cab... I'll consider... but for now.. I'll pass...

as for copyright... if you can make the image... and they say they'll print it for you... who cares ??...

mastahkaz · « **Reply #35 on:** October 07, 2003, 12:37:38 pm »

FYI, I was thinking about having this done for a few control panels and i posted a topic about it in the Buy/Sell forum seeing if anyone wanted to have their own work printed on the extra space.

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #36 on:** February 17, 2004, 01:26:05 am »

Somebody move this thread on artwork forum and sticky

AceTKK · « **Reply #37 on:** May 02, 2005, 03:12:13 am »

I'm resurrecting this old thread. Just wondering if anybody ever went ahead and tried this process. Quite a bit of time has passed, so prices may be higher now (if the service is still even available) but it looks like a sweet option.

-Ace-

Flinkly · « **Reply #38 on:** May 02, 2005, 05:47:56 pm »

yeah, thanks for kicking it up. i was looking to make reproduction laminate for a neo geo mvs cab and was upset that i might have to do red laminate and then stick letters to the side. while this is expensive, it sure would make for a fantastic cabinet. i wonder if i could fit two sides on 8x3?

Flinkly · « **Reply #39 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:03:41 pm »

i wrote them today regarding some artwork i was interested in getting. i'll let you know what they say about it all. hopefully i'll either get turned down or detailed information about how this transaction works.

stay tuned....

EndTwist · « **Reply #40 on:** May 03, 2005, 05:46:44 pm »

I gave them an email yesterday night asking if they would do something much smaller than their minimum size for maybe a slightly marked up price (since its $10 per sqft @ 3'x8' minimum, and it may be more trouble for them to print a smaller size). Anyways, I'm awaiting a response, so I'll let you guys know what they say (also)...

quarterback · « **Reply #41 on:** May 10, 2005, 12:14:29 pm »

Any recent word on cost?

Anybody contact this place for prices?: http://www.tapeease.com/custom_laminate.htm

They seem to list more printing options listed than I saw on the Wilsonart webpage. Seamless Inlay, silkscreen or Graphic Image / Digital Laminate

Flinkly · « **Reply #42 on:** May 10, 2005, 01:48:12 pm »

well, i wrote them and there are alot of issues if you want to print up some custom side art. first, they won't print anything that might ever have been copyrighted. thus, recreating original sideart is out of the question. second, they have major problems doing alot of colors, as was said before, so it doesn't sound like it would turn out well for most peices of art. third, they don't deal well with people who only want one made, or one 8x3 sheet. the cost WILL BE 10 dollars a foot or more on anything you want to have printed up, due to their limitations, etc.

so, to sum it all up, while this was my last chance to make myself the artwork i want (since mamemarquees only makes sideart to a certain size, which happens to be about a foot and a half short of what i need) it doesn't seem like it's gonna happen anytime soon.

i'll post my actual e-mail if anyone wants to read it for themselves. i basically asked if they could rrecreate a larger verion of the MVS cab sideart, but they even had a problem with the words being copyrighted.


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