Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Art student needs to print on steel

Hi, please help.

I am final year graphic design student, my last product is to design packaging for a new range of men's grooming products using only steel. I know nothing about steel or techniques to apply information to it. I spoke to a lovely man from a local engraving company who told me about a process called Cenadex Paste (I think I have spelt that wrong) but I am still unclear about the details and have been unsuccessful with my internet searches. Could anyone clarify this for me or direct me to a website/ book that could help? Thanks for your time. If you know of any other processes that you could tell me of that would be great.

Joanna Mccauley
student - Belfast, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, U.K
2004

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2004

Dear Joanna,

I am working on a project in which I want to print on steel and have also been trawling the net for information. In the process I came across your letter. I know this is a bit of a cheek, but may I pick your brains; have you had any success in your quest? If so, would you be willing to point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

Richard Barman
- North Wales

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2004

Dear Joanna,

Did you find an answer yet? I looked for the paste under multiple spellings without luck as I was interested in the technique myself. I did find these interesting and helpful sites about engraving on metal & other materials. Perhaps you can ask the local engraver to give you more details on the paste.

http://www.haleysteele.com/learning/technical/steel.html
http://www.engraversnetwork.com/dstip003.htm
http://www.engraversnetwork.com/tips.htm TIPS
http://www.engraversnetwork.com/ggtip002.htm
http://www.scmsysteminc.com/engraving_process.php

Best of luck with your project, Wendy

P.S. I'd be interested to know if you find the mystic paste's name....

Wendy Olsen
mask art -Italian Masks - Malibu, California, USA

I too am looking for a method to print onto steel such as to use the magnetic property. Dye sublimation process looks great on aluminum but I need the same quality on steel. Can anyone help?

Mark Guillot
- Gonzales, Louisiana
October 7, 2008

The material is a ceramic coating that you spray on and laser. The correct spelling is Cermark or Thermark. Basically the same, but one is a water base and the other is alcohol based. Do a search and you'll find my website in Arlington

Robert Hensley
- Arlington Texas
June 22, 2010