(02-22-2020, 03:45 PM)ColoBill Wrote: Pinebook Professionals,
I would like to create my own skin for the PBP but I have no idea how. I've been reading and watched a couple videos but still have many questions. Here are a ideas/questions:
* Size -- I see the great pdf's of the lid, bottom, and palmrest. They are nice but are bigger than any printer I have access to. Most printers today will to just Letter or A4 and some will also print US legal. US legal would work. Or larger and cut to legal size since nobody seems to use legal size anymore. I've seen some 12"x12" vinyl sheets that could be cut to fit the printer then cut to fit the PBP. I have access to a color laser that would print the legal size. Any suggestions?
* Vinyl -- I see on this forum that the experts on this group have selected a clear vinyl that they believe will work best on the PBP. Can someone share the brand and type? I need to make sure it is laser printable. Mostly, I just want to start with something good.
* Issues -- Are there any tips or tricks to do this? I see on this forum that after trying some are begging to give money to the professionals. I think I could do this, except, these sites seem to have a limited pre-selection of popular laptops. And many won't do clear background. Does anyone know a popular laptop that is very close in dimension to the PBP?
* Why -- I want to print the logo of a beloved computer I had in my home 30 years ago. The company is long gone but the logo is in public domain. If I figure this out I'll post a pic.
Bill
Hey Bill,
Your best bet really, is to probably find a good sign shop in your area, or a place that prints car vinyl/wraps. They should have the ability to print and cut at the sizes you need for the templates.
If you need the dimensions of the PBP, you can find them on the wiki, in millimeters.
The initial vinyl test was clear, but we will only be using it depending on the design. We will be using an opaque, white version of the same vinyl for most printed options. I may not be able to tell you the brand, as I believe it is made specifically for the company helping us prototype. Luckily, you don't need that vinyl to make your own, a good vinyl for use on cars, will have all the traits you need in an appropriate vinyl. I've honestly been out of that industry for several years. This is why I suggest finding a place that can do printed stuff for cars. If you want it printed on clear, find a place that can print white.
We've had the slow rolling because currently, only our own money and time is behind it, and we have to balance it with our full time jobs and the paying customers of the production company. Sometimes that means our skinning project, doesn't get the time on the press that we want or need to progress it to a ready-to-sell state. We're working with them to have scheduled press time once we have the best possible product we can make.
Tips: if you make your own skins, try to back slit them. It makes removing the backing paper and laying the vinyl a lot easier. Look into "hinging." If there isn't any laminate on your print, don't use something hard as a squeegee. You could scratch your print. Clean the PBP surfaces with rubbing alcohol first. A small amount of window cleaner/soapy water can help reposition vinyl before applying pressure, but of course be very careful doing this and use very small amounts applied directly to the vinyl adhesive.
