Decal to the pedal

Hi,
So after almost 2 years of having the thing in my basement, I started building this OD2 BYOC pedal. I am at the stage where I have to "attach" the guts to the enclosure. Therefore it is time to finish, or not , the pedal.

First option, one can of primer, one can of paint, one can of clear, some kind of paint pen or marker to write what the knobs are. Total cost $30???

Second option, take a picture of the pedal box, go in to photoshop, modify to my taste, size appopriately. Find waterslide decal paper and printer. Apply decal to the box, clear coat.

Option 3, leave the pedal box bare and call it the "minimalist look".

Question , anyone use waterslide decals on pedals? How do they hold??
What kind of clear coat do you use on them? Do they come off??
I am thinking of possibly using the waterslide decal as "paint", that is covering most of the box with it, will this work??
Thanx

A lot of people finish the box with a thick, glossy paint and sand smooth before applying the decal. Most often, I see the decal applied covering just the face of the pedal.

Having said that, I've never done the decal before. I've always just painted the boxes. I use automotive paint in small, touch-up size cans from the local auto parts store. Be sure to get compatible primer, paint, and clear coat. Between the paint and clear coats, I will use a fine brush and acrylic paint to label everything. You do not want to use a marker here, as the clear coat will likely make it run. You could use marker after the clear coat, though.

The paint I've used is a lacquer and has been moderately durable. I've done 6 boxes like that so far and I like the results, but it is somewhat susceptible to chipping. Next time I plan to try an epoxy or enamel---something meant for painting engine blocks or headers. My guess is that it will be less susceptible to chipping.

Don't go with the minimalist option! I think you will eventually wish you had finished it, but once it's together it's a pain to completely disassemble it again.

Yeah, thanx, its a little more involved than i prefer but....
And i dont think i'll be making more.
Anyways found someone who will print "waterslide stickers" or the equivalent to put on coffee mugs and christmas ornament and another place that makes vinyl stickers, went to an autoshop the guy said its his friend and use him to make stickers for whole dashboards (for boats)
All i saw was spray can at $12 each, have to go to another auto parts shop hopefull to get the touch up cans

Option 3, leave the pedal box bare and call it the "minimalist look". +1 !!! or buy some colored Sharpies ... this pedal sold on Black Friday for $5.74 w/free shipping ... about the price of a can of cheap spray paint ... http://bestnetworx.com/uploader/files/1/starcaster_chorus.jpg

Do colored sharpies 'run' if you spray clear over them? I've been using a krylon paint pen,its actual acrylic enamel disperes from a fat tipped marker.But it doesnt write as fine as a sharpie would.
Anybody clear coat over a sharpie?

Sharpie will almost definitely run with clear coat sprayed over. I've seen pictures of the disastrous results. I then saw someone try to use it intentionally to make a swirly, runny design... but it just looked like mud soup.

Ok,thanks! That was my hunch too but it would have been cool if it worked! The paint pens arent a bad option.