Options for CP cover other than lexan/plexi?

[hnugz]

I think I saw someone using laminate from a cabinet or something on the top part of the cp.  What options are there besides having a lexan/plexi cover?  Obviously I would need something that won't rip apart just from normal use.

[mahuti]

A control panel overlay made from either vinyl or heavy printer stock with plastic laminate applied works great. If you look at the "control panels" section of my cabinet site in my signature... you'll see both a cheap vinyl overlay and a printed (and laminated) CPO. Both have been in heavy use for about 3 years now, and they still look fantastic. Many of the original control panels on early machines were metal with a printed vinyl overlay. In arcade settings they got pretty banged up (scratched on graffitti, cigarette burns, etc) but shouldn't be an issue in your home.

I've also seen users here with brushed metal tops, powder coated metal tops, polished wood, home-printed paper covered in polyurethane, painted wood, in addition to various types of plain and printed laminate.

[hnugz]

I see that vinyl and that looks like something I would want to use.  How is it mounted on the panel?  Where is a good place to get it?

[mahuti]

click here for more details.

[IG-88]

Hey Mahuti,

Did you ever get any pics of the undersides of your CP so we could all look at it?

[mahuti]

I thought I did, but looking at the post above, it's obvious that either a, I did and didn't upload them or b, I didn't do anything.

Looking on my computer, I can't find the pics, but I SWEAR i took them.

Oh well. I have my panel spread all over the place anyway and I've been taking pics for something else, so I'll get some new pics after I get back from Home Depot. WOOHOO, blinky lights comin...

[javeryh]

The Happs vinyl that I used had a peel off backing and was sticky underneath for easy application.

Peeling vinyl:


Finished CP:

[hnugz]

I like that peel off backing, gonna find me some of that.  very nice looking.

[mahuti]

Yeah, that's good stuff. Great if you can find it in small / cheap quantities.

[Kremmit]

I get the black vinyl here:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-018

Roll is 24 inches wide, which covers pretty much anything but a whole cab side.

[Silverwind]

partsexpress is great.   I ordered some laminate there for some DIY speakers.. (cherry vinyl) and it worked out fantastic..

[Doc Thirst]

Don't forget the traditional poly-urethane finish as well.  I have wood grain, so it's not an issue, but I once made a coffee table that was covered with paper clippings then urethaned over.  It turned out nice and provided a protective finish. 

Bit of a stray from what you seem to want to accomplish, but it might be worth a try if you are sure you will be sticking with your CP art or willing to do a full replacement if you do tire of it.

[IG-88]

I looked at some of that vinyl at the local fabric shop yesterday. They had a really large selection, all the primary colors and several blends as well. They even had a couple "patriotic" designs with stars and flags, very cool. And most priced very reasonably. From $3-$14 per yd. The only thing that I was concerned about was that some of it had a "fuzzy" backing onto it and that made me wonder about getting it to stick to the cp. I'm defiantly going to get some tho.

[hnugz]

Local fabric store huh?  I checked out a few places like Lowes, Home Depot, and Michaels arts and crafts but none of them had anything like what I needed.  I went ahead and just ordered mine from parts express.  Damn shipping was expensive though, like $8.

[mahuti]

The fuzzy backing is OK. Just add glue, stretch and staple or tack. If you stretch and staple, you would be fine regardless of the glue... it's just there to help.

[IG-88]

Local fabric store huh?  I checked out a few places like Lowes, Home Depot, and Michaels arts and crafts but none of them had anything like what I needed.  I went ahead and just ordered mine from parts express.  Damn shipping was expensive though, like $8.

Here is where I went:

http://www.joann.com/index.jhtml

They probably had 20-25 different choices. Some even on clearance for $3/yd.

Here is another store the wife suggested:

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/

...tho I haven't checked them out yet. Both appear to be national chains with a store locator on the home page.