HELP - Graphics on carvings

[Wingnut]

OK, I have searched the form and did not see anything about this so I have to ask the question. A little background first. I have a small carving I am doing about 5" tall of a marine and I would like to put a graphic in the cap of the marine insignia like showed below. This insignia would only be about 1/4 to 3/8 in size. I can not paint it on and get any kind of detail so I was wondering. I know that we can transfer patterns that are photocopied by rubbing it or using lacquer thinner or heat. So I was thinking I could use this method to get my insignia onto the carving.

Now one of the questions would be is this considered cheating? I'm thinking no it is just being resourceful. And another one would be how or what would I use to clear over it so it does not run everywhere….. if it worked?

Has anyone ever tried this or does anyone have any suggestions on a better way to do it. Thanks in advance.

[carver6]

IMHO, unless you are entering the carving in a contest that forbids what you are planning, who cares? I do whatever it takes to get the job done and don't worry about whether anyone else approves. It's my carving. Do whatever it takes to get the coon.
Garon

[Shimmy]

I go to Google Images Get the picture I want .Print it and size it.Cut it out and glue it on. TTThats All Folks.

P.S. Watch out for the Carver Police.

[aulddiy]

I agree with Carver6, I'll decide on what and how i carve, and thats it. Morally if I said I'd carved the insignia thats cheating.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

My advice would be to reduce the design to the size you need then find a small brush and try painting it. You might just find that any detail reduced to that level pretty well disappears and only the larger areas are really evident and need to be painted. The real fun of doing details is doing them yourself. I've seen your work Jerry and have no doubt that you can do this.

[kdispoto]

Lynn, I recall that you use "gel" pens a lot. I haven't used them yet but wouldn't these work?

[Wingnut]

Thank you very much Lynn for the complement. That means a lot coming from you. Hope to talk to you at the Dayton show this year.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. The gel pens may be an option. I have used sharpy's and I know that ink runs when covered with lacquer. Guess I could try finishing with something water based.

This piece is going to be a Christmas present to my son-in-law who is in the Marines. I bet he likes it with or with out that detail. I will show it when done.... thanks all.

[santcvr44]

There really are no rules. It's your carving and no one else's.

[kdispoto]

As we have been told here many times regarding finishing - pratice on a scrap piece first.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I've tried gel pens but usually give them up in favor of a brush. To get the ink flowing out of the pen tip you have to bear down, usually on a painted surface, and that just doesn't work. I have also used Sharpie pens but you have to remember to "set" the ink with a light coat of Testors Dul Coat to keep it from running. That goes for the gel pens too. Just an extremely light spray at first then come back over that with another light coat. Failure to do this can quickly ruin an otherwise great paint job. Just ask me!