Contact Paper?

[phizzle]

Has anybody used contact paper on the sides of a cab or for the cp overlay?

[chuggy]

Hell yeah! It's the only way to go! Walmart has a great selection. the only drawback is the fact that the outer sides peel back if rubbed. Otherwise it works good. ONe tip though, your going to get bubbles....if you dont good work. If you do, get a razor blade, and cut a small slit and rub the air out that way. Good luck. It worked for me.

[hyiu]

I used contact paper on my first stick....

I found that the result is not that good....

My personal opinion is NOT to use it again...
so, I would suggest against using it...

ps: I'm using plywood... so... contact paper sticking on plywood.... (not a good combo....)

I have heard contact paper is better with metal panel... because its more smooth....

for control panel... I think nothing beats a overlay....
and then a piece of lexan on top.... (again... just my personal opinion...)

good luck....

[TheTick]

I've used contact paper on MDF with a lexan cover. Looks good.... but looks like every other control panel (lots of people use the same black onyx). Sticks fine to MDF, but if there is no protective layer it will eventually wear or tear.

My next panel I'm skipping the MDF and the Lexan. Just gonna use paint and a special coat to protect the finish. Should look nicer than the contact paper, and less prone to scratches than the lexan.

If I could do an overlay without lexan I would. Lexan isn't very comfortable for the wrists. I was thinking of using sections of clear transperances under the protective coating for button labels. I'm gonna test it this weekend to see if it works.

[JesterDEV]

I used contact paper on my control panel. I ending up with the dark marble one after looking in 4 stores, they all had the same ones. No black! .. Anyway, it's ok I guess. I painted my cp awhile back so I had no problems getting it to sick to the wood. One thing that I have noticed however is that I am ending up with bobbles even after a week.  

[BillyJack]

Yeah, i hate those silly little dinosaur things (the bobbles you're getting).  It's better than being overrun by gremlins though... even the little furry mogwai things...
 

BillyJack

[AlanS17]

My experience with contact paper is that it is far from permanent. It was made to line drawers, not to face the elements. It will easily peal from the edges.

Plus it's boring. I plan on replacing mine as soon as I get the chance.

In addition, air bubbles are easy to get. Also, since the stuff has a bit of a grip, any scuffs can actually tear the stuff.

If the stuff was made to go on the OUTSIDE then it might be a better choice. But it was never intented to do so (and with good reason).

[chuggy]

I've personally had really good luck. My machine isnt really abused enough to have to withstand the "elements". As far as bubbles, just get a sharp razor blade, and cut a small hole in the middle and rub the air out. You wont even notice the slit, and you wont have a bubble. Worked for me.

[chuggy]

I've personally had really good luck. My machine isnt really abused enough to have to withstand the "elements". As far as bubbles, just get a sharp razor blade, and cut a small hole in the middle and rub the air out. You wont even notice the slit, and you wont have a bubble. Worked for me.

[Distortion]

yeah, contact paper is great, if you don't mind your cab looking like something from elton john's wardrobe

[M-80]

Even though I'm not sure what it is, I get the impression that a smoother would do for some people here. I think I'm thinking of something with a straight rounded edge with a length that you can use to apply this contact paper while making sure no bubblesget trapped underneith. Similar to what they so with wallpaper (the RL stuff you put on walls).

Now, with that thought out of the way, anybody have a good example link of what contact paper looks like and what it's made of? LOL I have a good idea, but I'm not sure.