? Alternatives to Plexiglas on control panels

[eggedd2k]

other than a plexiglass overlay what other materials can you use? i was checking out the double dragon and bad dudes cp's - do these just have a vinyl overlay?

[Stingray]

If you have your artwork professionally printed at a place that specializes in arcade art (there are several online), you'll get it done on the correct textured material that doesn't require a transparent overlay to protect it.

-S

[Kremmit]

Most, but not all pre 90s games were just a plain overlay with no plexi.  The plexi came into fashion when operators started installing it themselves because they were tired of ugly, torn up overlays.  Of course, the plexi just got ugly and torn up instead, but I guess ops thought it was easier to cut & drill a new piece of plexi every so often than to apply a new overlay sticker. 

A cab in your house is probably not going to have cigarettes stubbed out on the cp, or anybody with a Magic Marker or penknife scratching their name into the overlay.  If you get a good quality overlay printed, you won't need the extra protection- but that doesn't mean you can't put it on if you like the look.

If you decide you want plexi, the most common alternative is lexan.  You'll also hear "acrylic" and "polycarbonate" mentioned- those are just the generic names for Plexiglass and Lexan, which are brand names.  (Coke & Pepsi = Soda & Cola) 

[DreamArcades]

Lexan scratches too easily. I recommend Plexiglas or a real arcade overlay, which i just happen to sell 

http://www.dreamarcades.com/partscabparts/index.shtml

[Kremmit]

Lexan scratches too easily.

But cracks less easily, and machines easier. 

Why oh why is everything always a trade-off?