Protecting your control panel

[bvicarious]

My control panel is currently covered in a few decent coats of crystal clear enamel, but I'm finding that its not very protective. I'm eventually going to have a vinyl overlay for it, can anyone tell me how scratch and ding resistant the stuff usually is? Are there certain kinds that are more durable than others?

I'm also considering getting a roll of this stuff: http://www.xpel.com/products/bulk.asp

If I want to keep the control panel bare, this stuff would protect it from damn near anything for about $20.

Any thoughts?

[telengard]

Not sure if you've looked into this but my control panel modules are covered in the "vinyl pica" from Happs.  I gotta say this stuff is durable and very easy to clean and work with.   I'm pretty happy with it and it also looks like something you'd see on an arcade control panel.  Granted, it's pretty plain to look at.

~telengard

[shbon]

I used 2mm plexi-glass (the UK name for it), cut and drilled the same as the control panel. Looks good and is certainly tough enough... Held perfectly in place by the buttons and joystick bolts

Shaun

[NightGod]

I personally am just using vinyl overlay by itself. I haven't even completed the cab, but it's already survived a couple bumps and bruises without any problem, and I've seen alot of positive reports on it here. Generally the feedback I've gotten is that if you get the heavier vinyl overlay, you don't need a cover, but if you get the thin stuff or print your CP on paper, then you want something on top like plexi. Most people don't bother with doing both heavy vinyl and plexi, from what I've seen.

If you are just going paint, I would definately look into a plexi cover, however.