The yellow transfer paper definitely seems to transfer easier than the Sunnyscopa after my first test. Decided to write a novel about it, so TL/DRs need not apply! I might have gone overboard cleaning the dial but wanted to rule out any other issues and give the yellow transfer paper a fair assessment.
I wet sanded a blank brass disc flat with 1000, then 1500, laid flat on a piece of glass. Next, I did a quick and final wetsand with 3000 just to be sure there were no excessively sharp edges or "giant" scratches that could affect adhesion. I then dropped the disc in a glass filled about 50/50 of alcohol and water (and a few drops of dawn dish soap) and put the glass in the ultrasonic cleaner for about 5 minutes.
Next up, I put on some rubber gloves and rubbed/cleaned/polished the dial with glass cooktop/stovetop cleaner. It's my new favorite for cleaning brass, as you can tell if the brass is clean enough by the way water sheets or puddles on it. I made sure there were no puddles -- just a thin sheet of water.
On to the really easy part... I put the yellow transfer paper on top of the dial (with tape around the edges to prevent it from moving) and just burnished the paper with a broad tip on my soldering iron. That's it.
The results were not necessarily amazing, but judging from my very first attempt:
1) It was really easy
2) I finally had success getting the edge of the dial to transfer!
On to the pictures... first is directly after the transfer. Second is after 10 minutes in the oven on 110C (might need more time). Third picture is just a test after mild acids to see any cool patina patterns jumped out. When I say mild, I mean Vinegar, lemon juice, etc.
