Control Panel Overlay Question

[newoski]

Hi Guys,

I've got my Control Panel drilled and painted. When installing the artwork, do I want to cut out the button holes with an exacto knife first, before installing the overlay, or do I wait until after installing the artwork to cut?

Silly question. Totally stumped.

[jennifer]

    If you cut your holes in it first , it will become quite unstable, normally if you need the holes oversized a plotter cuts them and then its covered with a transfer tape then applied... You can cut them after if its not critical , A pinhole (in the cut area) makes really nice registration mark for alignment.

[newoski]

Thanks...

So pinhole... Install... Exacto cut the full circles?

[jennifer]

    Yes, The pinhole will be visible from the backside (in the center of your hole) .... The tricky part however is scoring the backing paper in center and applying sticker from middle out (not start on one end and work across) Basically get it lined up tape the center and peel the backing off 1 side and stick it, then go back to center an peel the backing off the other side and go the other way. Soap water is what some will tell you, But Jennifer has always been skeptical of the potential for compromised adhesion. Without it however air bubbles are UNFORGIVING so work slow and careful.... A new blade is required for the hole cutting or it will look all choppy. 

[PL1]

Cut the holes with either a fresh X-Acto #11 or use a router flush cut bit like Martijn and EMDB did.

See EMDBs post for a tip on how to avoid scratching your artwork with the router base.

Stay close to the tip of the blade if you use the X-Acto/hobby knife for a closer/cleaner trim while cutting inside curves.


Scott