Obviously whoever finds it first. And if mods allow.
PayPal or Gift voucher or however we can work it out.
Internet blogs /threads / YouTube comments and whosampled are all dead ends.
I have isolated sped it up /slowed it down and nothing. You'll just have to know this I think.
It's definitely not Toro Y Moi either. Maybe pre 90s.
I've been looking too long for this, it's my white whale. No catch.
Longshot but trying. Happy for whoever got the last one on eBay but that's what happens when I add something to my todo list and forget to go back to it. Live and learn.
If this pans out I will update. If you're reading this in the future. I'm still interested.
Zippo used: 205 Satin Chrome
Decal files: Full decal + two-half version included
Hello friends.
Like many of you, I have been looking for this Zippo, or something close to it, since 2003. Over the years I’ve saved and archived every bit of information I could find from studio photos, blogs, fan-made versions, and other recreations. After a long time trying to recreate it, and with help from a lot of people along the way, I think this is the closest I’ve personally been able to get.
I’m calling it 95% accurate because it’s difficult to know the exact red used on the original printed Zippo. Also, during early production, the design was apparently just drawn onto tape and stuck onto the lighter until they made stickers. I made a couple of small changes too: the eyes are slightly sharper and more aggressive, and the gills are a little thicker. Personally, I think this makes the design look better overall, while keeping the teeth and mouth very close to the original.
This version was made possible using UVDTF sticker printing. There are some major drawbacks, though. It does not seem to handle spray coating well, and daily use may be difficult because the UVDTF can chip, wear, or react badly to heat over time. A TPU Zippo cover/case can help protect it, as shown in the post.
Another possible method would be to use colour separation in Photoshop or another program, split the design into layers, and airbrush it with stencils. I may try that next. Other options could include inkjet, press printing, hydro dipping, or regular vinyl/sticker methods, but printing directly around a Zippo has been very difficult to find.
The application was the hardest part for me. I used a wet application method similar to car decals, with water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol, so I could move the decal around before it set. I applied the top half first, then the bottom half. After positioning, I secured it with rubber bands and put it in a vacuum sealer overnight so it could form around the chamfered edges.
Please do not assume this is the best method. Do not be like me lol. It worked, but I probably made the process more complicated than it needed to be. Alignment is still tricky, and even being off by less than 1mm can be noticeable. I got one nearly perfect, while the others were slightly off.
I wanted to share the design because I know a lot of people have been looking for something like this for years. Many of us have bought disappointing Etsy or eBay versions that are basically oversized, non-die-cut stickers slapped over the lighter. This one is not perfect, but it is much closer to what I always wanted.
I have included both the full-size decal and the two-half version, so you can print it, split it, modify it, or apply it in whatever way works best for you.
If you are like me and cannot figure out the best way to apply it, I recommend finding a local UVDTF printer and looking up wet decal application guides online. You may also have luck asking someone who works with car decals or vinyl wraps to help you apply it.
Hopefully the comments here bring even better methods and solutions. I just wanted to finally share the design and make it available so other fans can create their own.