Hi, I've been playing with some new product ideas with two of my main stockists and we have developed some 2D timber figure concepts. You will get a set of two figures in a pair, a tall figure and a short figure, illustrated below in a dummy mock showing a ‘Ghost catcher’ and ‘Ghost’. (This is an 18mm oak with a clear matt printed sticker finish, unvarnished)
I am currently still trialling different timber types & thicknesses (15/18mm Oak hardwood or white birch ply are the current best results) and I am keen to explore various methods for applying the images, through clear printed sticky sheets, laser etched, hand painted, decals, screen printed and heat transferred.
Ideally I'd like to be in the position that I can mass produce the timber figure sets and then make and apply the graphics to order from a collection characters.
Currently I only have an Aficio SG 3310DN sub-printer and a mug press so I don’t think I have suitable tools to tackle on my own.
I am considering investing in some other bits of kit but I suspect to get the strong depth of colour that I am thinking of, I'll have to look at investing in a white toner printer as well as a flatbed heat press. I’d really like the effect that you get from screen printing, ie just the ink, no substrate layer on the surface of the wood but if possible for this to be created digitally so I can replicate it on a one by one basis.
I’ve never actually worked with a white toner printer or really seen the results, so before making the investment and to allow me to gauge the interest from my stockists I’d like to work with someone to produce a few sets of the characters and see what quality/ style we can achieve.
Anyone on here fancy being involved in making the test products for me?
Also, does anyone, who has applied graphics onto timber, have any tips for the best method?
Any and all comments and suggestions are very welcome.
If the concept can be made to work then the two stockists would like me to produce other shapes like kids concept jigsaws and building blocks.
Think there is good potential here for some nice products.
Many thanks
Allistair