Do I need to patch before applying adhesive vinyl

[flynnb]

About ready to apply vinyl (self-stick adhesive from GameOnGraphix) but I have some tears in the plywood surface.  Do I need to patch it? If so, with what product?  See attached picture.  Thanks!

[jeremymtc]

Yes, I would patch that tearout. Although the button bezels will cover the majority of it, it's pretty easy to do and is worthwhile.

You can use wood filler, bondo, wood glue mixed with sawdust, fibreglass resin or any of a number of different types of fill. If the chips from the tearout are still in your work area, you can even superglue them back in. Whatever type of filler is used, just sand the top flat again to blend it in and once the vinyl is applied you'll never know any of it is there.

[flynnb]

Thanks.  I will probably go the Bondo route.     I have to make a few more holes on the front face of the control panel (admin controls) and I'll wait to see how that comes out before starting the Bondo work.   I appreciate the fast response and suggestions. 

[Locke141]

I agree with the recommendation above. What type of bed did you use? Did you use a press?

[flynnb]

I think you meant "bit" not "bed".

If so, I used forstner bits on this project with a hand held drill and not a press.   Unfortunately I don't have access to one (press).

I thought I was careful not to apply too much pressure, going slow and steady holding.    I'm wondering if I went too cheap buying the bits or the plywood (maple) I got is susceptible to it.

[Zebidee]

For future jobs, you can minimise the tearout by drilling through masking tape (also called painters or paper tape).

If you drill a small guide hole first (say 6mm bit), you can start the wider hole from both sides first. Use a piece of scrapwood as backing for when you drill through.