Side material for arcade cabinet some type of laminate or vinyl adhesive??

[DcMaN]

as of right now my cabinet has some type of vinyl adhesive on the sides, and i would like to redo it because its kind of scratched up, however i have no idea where to get it. It needs to be about 38 inches wide, and about 7 feet tall. If anyone knows where to get it and what it is and you could tell me i would greatly appreciate it.

[shardian]

It would probably be in your best interest to strip off the vinyl and paint the sides.

[DcMaN]

thats what i thought, but they used particle board, so wouldnt like all the little pieces of particle show through the paint ? I thought about putting some fiberglass resin down as a base, to make everything flat and smooth, but that is a little too much work i think. Also if i do decide to paint, what kind of paint should i get ?

[shardian]

Well if you don't mind spending some money, you could use formica laminate. It runs about $50 per 4'x8' sheet. Many people on here have used laminate on their cabinets.

[divemaster127]

happ, sells the vinyl you are looking for, i stock some of it
thanks
dm

[shardian]

happ, sells the vinyl you are looking for, i stock some of it
thanks
dm

You sell vinyl that wide?

[divemaster127]

I have it up to 48 inches
dm

[DcMaN]

anyone have any pictures of it ? Im still not sure if i want to paint or put that adhesive stuff on. Thanks in advance. Exactly what is this stuff called anyway just out of curiosity ? Thanks in advance

[zenmasterbooty]

I had my vinyl sides printed up at kinkos. One piece per side.

[DcMaN]

so what do you guys think would look better a vinyl adhesive or paint ?

[shardian]

so what do you guys think would look better a vinyl adhesive or paint ?

Assuming you do both correctly, they should be look about the same. Cost-wise, vinyl will be more expensive. Effort wise, painting is much more time consuming. Skill wise, painting can be difficult to get a smooth coating. Vinyl is technically much easier and less time consuming, but if you screw up the vinyl you would be out more money to fix it.

[NiteWalker]

so what do you guys think would look better a vinyl adhesive or paint ?

Formica.

[AgentX]

I had my vinyl sides printed up at kinkos. One piece per side.

What'd that cost you total?

[zenmasterbooty]

I had my vinyl sides printed up at kinkos. One piece per side.

What'd that cost you total?

It will cost between $500-$1000 to cover a cab in printed vinyl.

[deadkenndys1105]

I had my vinyl sides printed up at kinkos. One piece per side.

What'd that cost you total?

It will cost between $500-$1000 to cover a cab in printed vinyl.

  Personal I don't have that much money to cover my whole cabinet in vinyl.  What im going to be doing for my second cabinet is have the control panel artwork and marquee done and paint the sides with a nice black paint and use custom decals for the details.  It looks great and is a lot cheaper.   Of course this wont work with all designs because they have to be rather simple.

[DcMaN]

ok sorry to bring this thread back up, but i want to get this finished, and im still trying to decide to either paint it or find some vinyl adhesive. Just wanted some more input and opinions on this. If you think vinyl laminate where can i get it from ? And if you think i should paint it, what primer should i get, and what paint do you reccomend ?

[TheAdMan]

Vinyl is traditionally used in signmaking (I used to work at a sign-pro) It is the same thing you see on signs, banners, vehicle advertisements & decals, etc. It is simply adhesive vinyl that comes in large rolls. Any sign shop would be able to supply you with some - sign pro & fastsigns are two nation wide signing chains (US). I would only recommend vinyl if you plan on making some kind of design on the side of your cabinet, if your just looking for a shiny finish give it a nice paint job.

Vinyl isn't exactly cheap and comes in different grades - the higher the grade the more durable and higher gloss it is. Large sections of vinyl can be somewhat difficult to apply, you must have the vinyl covered with application tape then squeegee it on using a solution of dish soap and water, this prevents bubbles from forming underneath the vinyl (although you will still likely get some with large applications) most of these bubbles can be popped and squeezed flat with a pin or exacto knife - but large vinyl applications are always subject to catastrophe - imaging trying to perfectly lay down an enormous bumper sticker. - But vinyl can be printed on or cut into intricate designs, allowing for artwork that will give you that colorful classic arcade look.

[DcMaN]

I'm actually pretty experienced with vinyl, i worked at a car audio shop where we wrapped alot of odd shaped pieces of wood in vinyl.

However i think im leaning towards paint, If i wanted to after i painted it would i be able to apply any side art ? Or would it not stick

[TheAdMan]

Yeah, it will definitely stick - almost too good- if you mess up or want to remove it at any point you will most likely loose your paint job.

to avoid this, clear your paint several times, and remove vinyl with heatgun.

(or you can just do good job the first time and never remove it - unless u want to paint it again)

[DcMaN]

what brand paint should i use ? Also what type oil based right ? I went out and bought rustoleum Oil based gloss black. The first coat went on perfectly smooth. Then i gave it a light sanding the next day and i went to roll it on and i go all air bubbles everywhere. Any ideas ?

[Zeno]

I decided to do my MAME cabinet in formica laminate.  Looks great.  There is no way that paint would have turned out this good.

I'm also looking for some of that plastic vinyl for my MK3 machine.  I'll paint it if I have to, but I the vinyl is much more authentic.

I looked at getting the vinyl at Happs, but they only have textured wraps.  If anyone can send a link to a site that sells the vinyl, we would appreciate it.

[Chris G]

what brand paint should i use ? Also what type oil based right ? I went out and bought rustoleum Oil based gloss black. The first coat went on perfectly smooth. Then i gave it a light sanding the next day and i went to roll it on and i go all air bubbles everywhere. Any ideas ?

I painted mine with the same paint you did and got fairly decent results, not great.  I understand that unless you're a really good painter, spraying is the only way to get a really high-quality look.  Regarding bubbles, try a good quality foam roller, if you haven't.  When I do another cab, I will likely try a laminate-type.