Vinyl Artwork Durability

[IdahoX]

I'm looking for advice. I designed artwork for my arcade control panel and had it printed on vinyl at the local print shop. It looked great but I had some challenges: Although the decal was easy to put on, the material was stiff and 'puckered' at the corners. It also wasn't as durable as I hoped - the vinyl scratched and tore easily through minimal use.

I am going to redo the decal and am wondering if there are other materials I should be looking at (other than vinyl), or does everyone put a clear plastic overlay on their panels?

[behrmr]

Did the printer laminate it?  If not next time have it printed on the bubble free 3M vinyl and have it laminated.

[SlammedNiss]

yea, doesn't sound like it was laminated after the print.

[IdahoX]

Thanks for the advice!