Help with custom controller shell

[Naoticon]

Hello again,

    I'm wanting to build a custom 360 controller.  I'm hoping some more experienced and frugal members of the community here wouldn't mind giving me a few pointers as far as the best way to do things.  That in mind, any help at all really will be greatly appreciated.  I've built a couple of customs before, but I wanted to do my own shell on this one.  After about an hour in GIMP I came up with a rough image of what I want to do:

(I apologize for the cruddy quality, this was really my first photoshop project)


Anyway, I'm wondering really what the best way is to get those flames on the shell? I'd prefer the most durable solution, as I don't want them rubbing or chipping off.  Would it be easiest to print them on a vinyl and stick them on?  Thanks much.

[Rodent]

better then i could ever do with GIMP  nice job. they do make a printable decal that is fairly cheap that you could print and stick it on then clear coat over it. just an idea.
I think you can get it cheaper in stores 18665 is the number for package at office depot , staples , walmart , office max  I paid around $15 for them they work great.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/409401/Avery-Clear-Inkjet-Labels-Full-Sheet/

[Naoticon]

 Alright, that's probably the easiest way to do it.  Thank you for the advice and quick reply!

[Modded Matt]

START WITH A CLEAR SHELL. TAPE OFF THE FLAMES, PAINT THE SHELL WHITE, REMIVE TAPE COVING FLAMES TO EXPOSE CLEAR SHELL. CLEARCOAT. PUT BLUE LEDS INSIDE.

[toadzilla]

could always  airbrush it and put a few coats of clear coat after wards 

[The End of A Heartache]

I would go with Toads if your good with air brush, If not you can do what Matt says tape off your fire design white out a clear controller take off the tape clear coat and lay some LED's to show off the blue design.

I am not sure but why not try doing Matt idea but to add something to it, buy a some transparent projector sheet and print out just the flame then lay them on the inside of the shell and add your LED.

[Hazer]

Why not print your hydrodip with that pattern? Beets the crap out of trying to learn airbrushing or using stencils (which sounds alot easier than they actually are).

Granted, there is some skill to hydrodipping, and its not very precise for location, but the graphic would come out much better.

http://www.prostreetgraphix.com/

[Naoticon]

Awesome! Thanks so much for all the ideas guys, I'll look into them and see what I think is best.  As soon as I get the time and cash to build (more like IF i do) It I'll post some pictures and maybe some videos.

Also, what would you guys recommend for mounting the LEDs on the inside? I've really only glued things in before, but I've wondered if there's a better way to do things.