Where to use laminate

[rdagger]

I'm about to do my first cab with laminate and I have a few nubee questions?
1. Do you install laminate on the inner area of the cab around the CP and monitor bezel or do you just paint this area black?
2. Do you install laminate on the back of the cab and on the rear access door?
3. On the MDF that makes up the sides of the cabinet, do you install laminate on the small inner strips that overhang by the coin door?
4. Anyone know a good laminate vendor in Los Angeles, besides Home Depot and Lowes?
Thanx.

[Wade]

This is really up to you.  Some people install laminate and some don't.

I would install laminate on the sides, the front, and (possibly) on the inside edges, if I had enough left over.  But I wouldn't mind just painting the inside edges, since it's such a small area and easy enough to paint.

I would never bother installing it on the top and back unless I had an unlimited supply of really cheap laminate.  IMO, quality laminate like Formica is the best finish for a cabinet, but its cost is a consideration.

Wade

[FractalWalk]

I just laminated the sides and the front panels. Inside areas and rear/top panels all got paint. I'm quite happy with it.

[Zathras]

I laminated the sides, CP box, & 3 control panels w/ two sheets of laminate.  I painted the inside lip area all around w/ flat black and then I used Happ self adhesive vinyl for the coin door, panel above monitor, top and back.  

Honestly next time I would be tempted to do the whole thing in the self adhesive vinyl (if they have another sale).  You can feel a difference in texture but from a few feet away you can't really see a difference.

[Santoro]

I put it on the sides and the front by the coin box.  

A lot of folks don't do the front but I think it is important because people sitting on a stool in front of the cabinet will be kicking it inadvertantly with their hanging feet.  Especially kids!

I figured the 20-30$ in extra cost was worth not having to putty and repaint the front every few years.