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control panel material?
megashock5:
Hello, I have a question about control panel materials
My CP is made of 3/4" MDF - so I'm afraid adding plexi or lexan would make it to thick and I don't want to make another one out of thinner wood.
I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible, so I was just going to paint it. Has anyone done this, and if so how does it feel? I painted some bedroom furniture and months later it still has a bit of a tacky feel.
I've also seen some panels that look like they have a formica or vinyl covering. Any tips with using something like this? I was thinking about getting a graphic CPO printed on vinyl, but I thought it would get worn with use.
Anyway, thanks in advance. I appreciate any tips people have before I get to the finishing stage!
Hiub1:
I would say that getting one of the generic CPO's with the vinyl on them would be one of your best choices. Those things are TOUGH, and by no means will they wear out. Just think, the machine will not be getting used 24/7, nor will it be in an arcade environment, so it should work out no problem.
In my CP, I put formica over it, which feels great but the black attracts a LOT of fingerprints. I am looking to get it replaced with a CPO. Laminate is very easy to work with given you have a laminate flush trim router bit (I think that is what it is called, guys help here.).
As for the paint, you will really have to test here. I am unsure of what kind of paint will feel nice to the touch and still be durable. Maybe someone else can help out here.
IMHO I would go with the CPO, as they look very professional and feel great. After experimenting with the laminate that gets fingerprints, I almost wish I would have never gone with that. Show us some pics of your progress and good luck!
big daddy:
the CPOs they have I had understood to be thin, so it's not like it's going to add much thickness to it.
megashock5:
Guys, could you point me to an example of the CPOs you're talking about? I've seen people make their own and then put plexi or lexan over them, but it sounds like you are talking about something that already exists and is being sold.
thanks!
Stingray:
It's just a thin textured vinyl material. Very tough and won't add any thickness. There are several places that sell them, you can usually choose from their stock graphics or design your own. They're also available with just a pattern or solid color if that's what you're after.
-S