DIY Network

Show-Car Display: Custom Signs for Mods List Extra Flash for the Auto-Show Floor, Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-311

(Continued from page 1)

	A UV projector is used to create the sign graphics.

Creating the Modifications List Displays

Using a display board is a great way to let show spectators know how much hard work and time has gone into your car. and since it speaks for itself, it helps leave you free to talk to the judges or spectators, or just relax.

Materials and tools:

computer with image-editing software
photo emulsion kit
transparencies
printer
exposure unit
timer
tray
cold water
sponge
hair dryer

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For the display sign, use four separate emulsion sheets to list the car's modifications. The coating is light sensitive like film, but it’s like h printing, the coating is either on or off. To use them, you cover area you want to remove the coating, then bake the sheet under a ultraviolet lamp, And rinse the color away.

Tools placed on the emulsion sheet then exposed to UV light leave behind burned-in images.

The same process is used to create the sign graphic.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Steps:

• By printing the list onto inexpensive transparency sheets with an ink jet printer, it's easy to create perfect masks, and you can even convert pictures using a basic photo-editing program by cutting out the background, converting the photo to black and white and boosting the contrast (figure A).

• Once your transparencies are ready (figure B), you can turn off the lights.

• The aluminum sheet needs to sit on a foam pad from the exposure unit. Put the transparency on top of that and then top it off with a glass plate to hold it in place and still (figure C).

• Put all of this into the UV exposure unit. There is a reflector that goes in front of that to reflect the light (figure D).

• Set the timer for three minutes and then plug in the light and start the timer simultaneously.

• The timer is a really important step because if the sheet is over- or under-exposed the results won't be as good.

• Once the time goes off, turn off the light and remove the reflector.

• Pull the glass away from the sheet and put it into a plastic tray and spray it with cold water until it's soaked.

• Use a wet sponge to gently rub the sheet to reveal the wording that was unexposed. Once all the words are revealed, wipe off the water with a soft cloth. To make sure it is dry, use a hair dryer to dry it. Don't let the sheet air dry as this may cause spots to appear.
  

  The finished signs will form the basis for the display.

• Put the sheet back into the exposure unit and let it sit for another two minutes. This hardens the red emulsion part of the sheet so that it becomes more durable. Do the same with all the signs.

• If the photo emulsion does not come off with the first pass in the water, put it back into the water and try again before moving on to the next step.

With the modification lists are complete, in the next phase of the project Andrew creates a brushed metal backdrop board on which to display them.

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RESOURCES :

Racing Innovations, Inc.
We apologize no contact information is available.

Malibu Customs
Knoxville, TN
www.malibucollision.com

Etch-o-Matic
www.etch-o-matic.com