Plexi Glass Painted Bezel? Thoughts?

[lisowskikevin]

Hey guys,

I just researched and found some people talking about painting the plexi glass on their cab to use as a bezel for their monitor. 3 quick questions:

1) How does it look?
2) If I go this route should I use Plexi or Lexan? I heard lexan scratches REALLY easy.
3) What is the thickness I should use for the monitor plexi/lexan glass regardless as to whether or not I decide to paint a bezel on it?

thanks

[ssBlade]

I've used Plexi painted black on my first two projects and I was surprised at how good it looks when done right. My first one I used black vinyl paint that didn't cover well. It looked fine in the end, but took many coats. As far as Lexan scratching easily... I've actually heard the opposite, that Plexi scratches more easily. I'm just starting a micro-mini weecade style tabletop that I've decided to try Lexan on, so I can't say for sure yet. Although you have to be careful while working with the Plexi, once it's installed it's not too big of a problem with scratching. At least in my experience.

[BadMouth]

If painted on the backside, it looks great.  I've only ever painted black, but it would be fairly easy to do some cool pinstriping with K-Tape.
http://www.amazon.com/K-TAPE-ORANGE-FINE-MASKING-ROLL-Auto/dp/B001CU1L5U
Just use it like masking tape.  Lay out your stripes, paint black, remove tape, paint color, it will all look smooth from the other side of the plexi.

[lisowskikevin]

Great info thanks guys! Any idea on how thick I should go with the glass? 1/8 inch?

[Le Chuck]

Great info thanks guys! Any idea on how thick I should go with the glass? 1/8 inch?

I use 1/8" glass quite a bit, it's a great size, has good heft, and is sturdier than the stuff stocked at the big box stores that snaps if you look at it wrong.  Plus it's stupid cheap, $19 for a custom sized tinted pane with the edges ground down.  Okay!