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Formica or another material?
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dema:
What's a good, sturdy material to coat the front of my arcade cabinet? I want to install a sturdy material from the bottom all the way up to the control panel, which will prevent scuffing and damage to the front of the machine during use. I was thinking of going with formica for this section, but since everything already assembled and the cabinet sides create a defined space within which I can lay it, I'd need to cut the formica to the exact measurements and lay it perfectly on the first try, which seems very daunting.

I was thinking that maybe I could try a different material that would protect it well and be easier to apply. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to adequately protect this section?
Shape D.:
diamond plate.
dema:

--- Quote from: Shape D. on May 10, 2005, 03:56:52 pm ---diamond plate.

--- End quote ---

Diamond plate wouldn't match up with the style of the cabinet. I'd probably give the formica a go before I went to something like that and if I did a crappy job I'd just cover it up with a sheet of metal.
AlanS17:
If the purpose to have a surface that's easy to clean? Something that won't chip/dent easily? "Protection" is a very general word.

Some adhesive-backed vinyl can be very thick and heavy. I'm referring to the sort of stuff CPO's are made from. That would work pretty well.

I think paigeoliver has used rubber mats before to cover portions of machines, too. Of course, that depends on thec olor and look of your cabinet as most rubber mats will be black, and most will have some sort of texture to them.

I would think that a good paint job with just a plexi base-board would be sufficient.
dema:
By protection I meant that it would hold up well to scuffs and dings.  I like the idea of adhesive-backed vinyl. That would be easier than formica.
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