Thick CPO or Thin CPO + Plexiglass?

[sofakng]

I'm getting ready to get my control panel overlay printed.  Up until this point I had my mind completely set on using my 5/8" MDF, then having an overlay, then using plexiglass or lexan.

However now I'm hearing people recommend just getting the THICK vinyl print from ClassicArcadeGrafix and not using any plexiglass or lexan.

Which looks better?  Which holds up better?

Which would you recommend?

[Xiaou2]

 Thick or not - vynal isnt going to last as long as plexi.   It can rip, warp, crack from age or shape,  fade,  stainable & hard to clean.    

  Plexi might initially be tought to cut without cracking it - but once its on... its all good.  Easy to clean, smooth, durrable, liquid proof,  protects underlying art from damages/dirt/hand oils... ect.

[mahuti]

Liquid Proof? I guess you never saw the machines in my local arcade.

I think "liquid-trapping" is more like it. Cracking, and discoloring are no strangers to plexi as well.

At home, either way, it's all about taking care of it. Plexi scratches (lexan, not so much) so does vinyl. Personally, I would rather replace vinyl once a year, than the lexi every 2.

[Apollo]

Or powder coated steel once every 10 years lol.

[Xiaou2]

Liquid Proof? I guess you never saw the machines in my local arcade.

I think "liquid-trapping" is more like it. Cracking, and discoloring are no strangers to plexi as well.

At home, either way, it's all about taking care of it. Plexi scratches (lexan, not so much) so does vinyl. Personally, I would rather replace vinyl once a year, than the lexi every 2.

 Actually, most all plexi made today is UV resistent and will not yellow or discolor.  Once they made the discovery - they changed the formulas.

 You also have it backwards.   Plexi isnt as strong as lexan (it can bend almost in half without breaking.. and can widthstand high impacts...), but lexans surface scratches much easier than plexi.  

  When I said Liquid Proof - i meant that its better to resist than bare viynal.   Liquid spilled on it mostly rolls off and onto the floor... and when cleaing, you dont have to be as carefull with solutions.

Cracking will usually only occur if the stuff isnt cut and installed correctly.  (ie: edges overhanging,  using screws instead of bolts to mount...ect)

[Sylentwulf]

I had the EXACT same question a week ago. Then, after more research, I discovered it would be roughly $85 for my control panel overlay. That decided that for me. Print my own and put plexi over it ala spystyle's walkthrough.

[mahuti]

Come to think of it, I think we're missing one point here.

The stuff that comes from classicarcadegraphics, etc. isn't actually vinyl. It's laminated paper.

The liquid issue isn't really a concern with laminate. I don't think cleaning chemicals will make much of a difference either. I couldn't say about discoloration, fading, etc, but I imagine that would happen with or without plexi overlay if it's going to happen.

As far as price goes. I paid 35 plus shipping.

[mahuti]

"Based  on accelerated testing  results the artwork should  have an indoor life in  excess of 100 years with  no fading! "

Quote from classic arcade graphics site, regarding their 50 year no fade guarantee.

[patrickl]

That clear laminate on the CAG prints is slightly textured (to hide small scratches) isn't it? If so, you'd have less trouble with scratches without lexan/plexi covering it.

[mahuti]

It's nicely textured. It definitely won't stand up to major abuse like plexi, under normal wear and tear should look good for a long time.

My business partner and I beat the crap out of my machine daily, and it's held up nicely for months.

[Stingray]

My CAG overlay does have the slight texture on it and after a few months of use is showing no signs of scratching or wear at all. More importantly to me it looks much more professional than a plexi covered overlay does.

-S

[Sylentwulf]

As far as price goes. I paid 35 plus shipping.

Ahh, but my panel is around 37"*15".

[mahuti]

Wasn't disagreeing with your price. Just telling mine.

$85 is quite a bit, I can see why you did it yourself.

[sofakng]

$85 does sound quite high...

My control panel is close to yours (mine is 34x15).  Classic Arcade Grafix quoted me $45 shipped, and MameMarquees(.com) quoted me $39.95 shipped.

Both seem to have great reviews from everybody here...

I didn't price plexiglass or lexan yet, but it shouldn't cost that much.

[patrickl]

I had the EXACT same question a week ago. Then, after more research, I discovered it would be roughly $85 for my control panel overlay. That decided that for me. Print my own and put plexi over it ala spystyle's walkthrough.

That's what I do too

My Defender/Stargate CPO cost me like $5

The trouble is that this is a 34"x15" print. You don't do that on just any printer.