Re: how to add symbols to keycaps--Ideas Welcomed

["Mark Cummings" <NOTfigjams@primus.com.au>]

I have used a method where you use letraset (tm) to add custom symbol to the
key cap, then use some kind of varnish sprayed on top to protect the symbol
being scratched off with use. I used circuit board lacquer.

I have tried this for a home made key pad on a single board computer that
used off the shelf push button switches that have no printing, and it worked
reasonably well. I believe that after some time the varnish may go yellow or
wear off, so you might want to try it on a spare one first and see how it
goes.

If your keys are already printed, you may need to spray paint them first
before adding any lettering. Again, you should test this first to ensure
compatability of paints, varnishes and plastics.

Mark


Obsbedia2 <obsbedia2@aol.com> wrote in message
20010627155202.06310.00000937@ng-cr1.aol.com">news:20010627155202.06310.00000937@ng-cr1.aol.com...
> Recently, I picked up a Canadian Platinum file://e on eBay and am in the
process of
> converting it from ENGLISH/FRENCH QUERTY to English QUERTY/DVORAK.
>
> I need to find a decent way to apply the DVORAK key placement symbols onto
the
> existing keys, possibly in another color -- ANY SUGGESTIONS?  I remember
seeing
> old ads for having special keycaps made, but for the Apple II today?
>
> Right now, I'm considering plastic overlays.  I thought that I could make
them
> with transparent labels and a laser printer (to stay away from water based
> inks).
>
> Jay Edwards