Author Topic: Plexi-Glass Monitor Bezel (Read 10810 times)

jcutler0902 · « **on:** May 12, 2011, 02:16:11 pm »

Hello,

I am to the point of painting my plexigalss monitor bezel. I am using blue painter's tape to mask off the screen portion. My question is what kind of paint should I use (flat, gloss..etc..)? I realize some of this is personal opionion. I am trying to achieve a nice looking bezel. Any additional tips?

Much thanks
Jason

BobA · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2011, 02:37:24 pm »

Flat or gloss both look like gloss when painted on the back of the plexi. IMO the flat is easier to apply smoothly.

Cynicaster · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2011, 02:44:52 pm »

Make sure that when you mask off the plexi, you really press down on the tape at the edges to make sure it provides a good seal. The first time I tried this, the paint crept under the tape in some spots because I didn't press it down smoothly enough.

Eddie_Brock · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2011, 03:07:15 pm »

Quote from: Cynicaster on May 12, 2011, 02:44:52 pm

Make sure that when you mask off the plexi, you really press down on the tape at the edges to make sure it provides a good seal. The first time I tried this, the paint crept under the tape in some spots because I didn't press it down smoothly enough.

I had the same thing happen. Make sure that you peel the masking tape off soon after painting, otherwise as the paint dries, it begins to seep under the tape. I had to use some Q-tips and rubbing alcohol to clean up the edges afterwards.

sapro · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2011, 03:17:51 pm »

Are you spraying, rolling or ?

jcutler0902 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2011, 03:20:08 pm »

I was going to spray, but am open to suggestions. I just want to make sure I have enough coats on it.

Donkbaca · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2011, 04:14:01 pm »

take some steel wool to the areas you are painting, the paint will stick to it better

DNA Dan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2011, 04:54:20 pm »

Use frog tape and follow the manufacturer's direction. You'll have the cleanest lines possible with little to no seepage. I would also recommend removing the tape BEFORE it completely dries.

jcutler0902 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2011, 05:04:44 pm »

Thanks all, big help as always.

Looking forward to posting some pics.

scofthe7seas · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2011, 05:59:04 pm »

Quote from: DNA Dan on May 12, 2011, 04:54:20 pm

I would also recommend removing the tape BEFORE it completely dries.

I agree with this, if the paint dries for too long, and if it is a bit thick, removing the tape can peel it up and it will look like gloppy crap.

DNA Dan · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2011, 06:50:38 pm »

You know another possibility for a clean edge is to use matte board or construction paper glued on the inside of the plexiglass. If you spread a clear glue on very evenly it seems like it would work pretty good.

Donkbaca · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2011, 06:57:21 pm »

I am using foam core board. I wouldn't glue it to the glass, I would glue it to a piece of MDF.

DNA Dan · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2011, 07:53:31 pm »

Quote from: Donkbaca on May 12, 2011, 06:57:21 pm

I am using foam core board. I wouldn't glue it to the glass, I would glue it to a piece of MDF.

Yeah that sounds better. Good suggestion. I don't know how much depth the OP has to work with. I am forced to do the paint method because I only have room for 1/4" glass.

garnerb350 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2011, 08:00:26 pm »

I used the same paint that i used for my cab (black)...Used painters tape and and when it was dry...peeled tape and flipped over...BAM pexi bezel!

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2011, 11:08:15 pm »

Quote from: DNA Dan on May 12, 2011, 04:54:20 pm

Use frog tape and follow the manufacturer's direction. You'll have the cleanest lines possible with little to no seepage. I would also recommend removing the tape BEFORE it completely dries.

+1

Celsius · « **Reply #15 on:** May 13, 2011, 05:23:25 am »

I'm also close to painting my bezel on the plexi so:
mask the monitor area wit some good tape
spray paint with flat paint
pull of mask before it dries

Quote from: Donkbaca on May 12, 2011, 04:14:01 pm

take some steel wool to the areas you are painting, the paint will stick to it better

Are there any "scatches" visible after painting?

sapro · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2011, 08:55:34 am »

Quote from: Celsius on May 13, 2011, 05:23:25 am

Are there any "scatches" visible after painting?

That was my concern as well.

BobA · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2011, 09:34:59 pm »

Any scratches in the painted area are not visible unless very deep. In the clear area of course any scratches that were there before will still be visible.

sapro · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2011, 03:39:35 pm »

My plexi finally arrived yesterday so I'm still working out how to do this. I'm a little hesitant to go the steel wool route as I'm worried the scratches will be visible. I suppose I can shoot it tonight with the flat black spray I bought and if it doesn't look good I can wipe it off with some thinner.

Donkbaca · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2011, 03:41:48 pm »

Be careful the thinner you use might eat the plexi. Why did you order it? I got mine at home depot for like 15 bucks...

sapro · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2011, 03:50:06 pm »

Thanks for the tip about the thinner. I'm hoping I don't need it at all.

I've had bad experiences cutting plexi, and I'm lazy. So I ordered it online for $11 cut accurately to the 1/32nd inch.

jcutler0902 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2011, 04:08:40 pm »

I bought a thicker plexi due to the height and width of my cabinet and had it cut at the place we purchased it online.

I painted it on Saturday and it came out nice. My suggestion would be to use "frog" tape. It worked really well.

Take your time. It took about 4-5 coats to make sure it was dark all around.

Good luck!

markronz · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2011, 05:29:32 pm »

Quote from: sapro on May 17, 2011, 03:50:06 pm

Thanks for the tip about the thinner. I'm hoping I don't need it at all.

I've had bad experiences cutting plexi, and I'm lazy. So I ordered it online for $11 cut accurately to the 1/32nd inch.

Out of curiosity, where did you order yours from?

javeryh · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2011, 05:57:56 pm »

Damn I just watched the video for Frog Tape and it looks sick. I'm definitely trying it the next time I paint.

DNA Dan · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2011, 07:06:50 pm »

You know when frog tape first hit the market they made a lot of claims about zero seepage and a lot of painters complained that it simply wasn't true. It got a very bad rap among consumers when it was introduced. I guess a lot of folks were expecting something different or didn't use the product correctly. Even still today you'll see a lot of poor reviews at Amazon, etc. I don't know what the deal is with this, I just know if you follow the directions it gives incredible results. Every time I have used it I am pleased with the crispness of the lines.

sapro · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2011, 07:39:46 am »

Quote from: markronz on May 17, 2011, 05:29:32 pm

Out of curiosity, where did you order yours from?

TAP Plastics - http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/category.php?bid=49&PHPSESSID=201105180439211886730640

jcutler0902 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 19, 2011, 04:11:46 pm »

I will have to look it up, but if you google it, you can have your choices...Good luck!

mekishiko · « **Reply #27 on:** May 30, 2011, 07:42:14 pm »

I have personally setup multiple arcade machines with a plexi bezel using similar process to that listed here. These are the steps I used

1) Purchase Plexi at LOWES, they cut it FOR FREE to any size, so use their service
2) Take it home, measure out the dimensions
3) Use Masking tape (Frog or blue) to line the edge of the part you want to have be clear (Taping on the INSIDE EDGE) use exacto knife GENTLY to make the perfect edge
4) Use this opportunity to place the bezel in the cab and make any adjustments, redo the tape as necessary
5) Cut a Piece of thin cardboard or thick paper to the size of the hole (Doesnt have to be exact) and tape this inside the part you want to remain clear) so you dont have to waste tons of tape
6) Make sure all the edges are taped snugly
7) Use a little electric hand sander with very fine grit sandpaper and sand the area you are going to paint, you just want it foggy looking
8)Make sure you let up the pressure while sanding near the tape so you don't sand through it
9)wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol 2 times
10) Spray with black flat spray paint
11) before it dries hold it up to a light and look for any light spots and touch those up
12) remove the tape and cardboard mask before the paint dries so that the edge doesnt get torn up
13) If you have jagged edges from bleed use an exacto knife GENTLY to cut the paint and clean the edges

I have done this on 4 different cabs with great results. looks super pro.


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