Sorry I didn't reply, Fozzy, busy with the new year and all.
I did get a chance to work on my controll panel for a while and going with your advice I've left it blank, I don't like the idea of quickly faded/scratched artworks and can't stand plexi. I'm pretty happy with the result though.
Thats not to say i've given up on CP artwork, I had a chat to my friend and have decided that seeing as the panel itself is metal we'll use car paint, I'll drill up a second plate and leave it with him in his shop, to use other peoples letover paint.
Not sure it'll feel great on hot days but there's only one way to find out... actually two, has anyone else got a metal control panel with car paint? Is it a good idea?