Author Topic: Possible cp/cabinet covering alternative... [pics!] (Read 21095 times)

OSCAR · « **on:** May 11, 2003, 08:20:50 pm »

I was making a "nuts & bolts" order from PartsExpress today and I came across this vinyl for covering speakers.

It seems pretty cheap for about $.65/sq. ft. so I added a roll to my order. If it is a decent vinyl like the Happ stuff and not like contact paper, I'll post back. From the pic, it looks like it has a decent texture and doesn't look too "plasticy". I see they have a couple different styles and wood patterns, too.

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2003, 09:35:06 pm »

I'm curious if it's cab-worthy, so yeah, let us know!

crackbone · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2003, 08:58:37 pm »

Cabworthy or not, I know I couldn't put that down without about a thousand bubbles...

Crack

paigeoliver · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2003, 04:51:16 am »

That looks great. Too bad they don't make a 3' wide roll. As 2' wide would mean that a cabinet side would have to have a seam.

OSCAR · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:06:11 am »

The vinyl came in today and I took a few moments to install it. That's all it took. My first impression is that I'm pretty impressed. It is NOT like contact paper. It's almost kind of stiff, so that makes it pretty easy to install because it doesn't try to roll up on itself. It is almost like laying down a thin piece of plastic or lexan film because it wants to stay flat. I can't imagine anyone having any problems with getting bubbles in it because it is quite a bit thicker than contact paper. I like the texture on this a little better than the Happ vinyl, but I can't vouch for longevity yet. I would guess that this will last as long as any other type of repro control panel overlay or the Happ vinyl though based on my experience with those. Right now I would say I would purchase this again over buying the Happ vinyl because it seems very similar and is much cheaper. The caveat is that it only comes in 2' wide by 10' long rolls, but that should be sufficient for most control panels.

Here are a few shots:

BobA · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:10:29 am »

It looks really good. Hope it is as durable as you figure. Wish I had some of that when I put my jukebox together.

BobA

Valiam Arkais · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:13:00 pm »

Quote from: OSCAR on May 14, 2003, 12:06:11 am

The vinyl came in today and I took a few moments to install it. That's all it took. My first impression is that I'm pretty impressed. It is NOT like contact paper. It's almost kind of stiff, so that makes it pretty easy to install because it doesn't try to roll up on itself. It is almost like laying down a thin piece of plastic or lexan film because it wants to stay flat. I can't imagine anyone having any problems with getting bubbles in it because it is quite a bit thicker than contact paper. I like the texture on this a little better than the Happ vinyl, but I can't vouch for longevity yet. I would guess that this will last as long as any other type of repro control panel overlay or the Happ vinyl though based on my experience with those. Right now I would say I would purchase this again over buying the Happ vinyl because it seems very similar and is much cheaper. The caveat is that it only comes in 2' wide by 10' long rolls, but that should be sufficient for most control panels.

My plexiglass overlay for my control panel went all to ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---, so I've decided to try this. Thanks for the info OSCAR!

-Valiam

rampy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:22:54 pm »

dammit.. .where was this post when I was considering using vinyl overlay.... I ended up with a so-so laminate job on my CP when my lazy-arse woulda been pleased with a vinyl stick on approach.

I'm sure eightbit would love this stuff (where's he been, anyways...)

Rampy

EDIT: i wonder if we can find the source to the source to get longer (er... wider?) rolls for those who wish to do the sides of your cabs or ... different colors and whatnot... *shrug*

RandyT · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:43:07 pm »

Quote from: rampy on May 14, 2003, 12:22:54 pm

...i wonder if we can find the source to the source to get longer (er... wider?) rolls for those who wish to do the sides of your cabs or ... different colors and whatnot... *shrug*

I've been on the search, but came up dry so far. I'll keep looking.

Oscar, this stuff seems like it'd be pretty rigid at 10mil thickness. Have you tried using a router to trim the edges? It's a pain cutting around everything with an Xacto, especially with heavy material.

BTW, it looks great, thanks for the tip.

RandyT

OSCAR · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2003, 12:55:13 pm »

I used a new razor knife and it went pretty quick. It didn't take me probably more than 15 minutes to lay it down, trim it up, and tap in the t-molding. It took a few more minutes to cut out the button holes. Being a little thick actually makes it easier to cut than really thin stuff like contact paper because it doesn't try to bend or fold out of the way of the blade.

I didn't try a router on it. A razor just seemed like a better tool for the job. It is pliable, and you could possibly wrap it around the edges if you weren't going to use t-molding. In fact, I have the edges along the straights tucked down behind the t-molding.

jginiso · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2003, 01:00:57 pm »

Do you think this could be effectively used on the rest of the cab as an alternative to painting?

Wade · « **Reply #11 on:** May 15, 2003, 09:51:56 am »

Since I still haven't come up with a good graphic design for my CP this stuff is looking pretty attractive... should look better than my plain black paint on my CP!

I've been having constant problems with my T-molding on my CP since my slot was too wide. Then I tried glueing the molding in with hot glue, as some suggested. This sortof worked but the molding is obviously loose in certain spots. I need to re-do it, again. I'm wondering if folding the excess of this vinyl down into the t-molding slot would make the molding fit tightly enough? Hmm...

Wade

IIOIOOIOO · « **Reply #12 on:** May 15, 2003, 03:29:21 pm »

I'm also curious if this could be used as a painting alternative... Oscar, any chance you could take two small samples, and try to place them side-by-side on a piece of wood to show how the seam looks? If not, that's cool... I'll just order some myself and post the pictures. In like a month!

OSCAR · « **Reply #13 on:** May 15, 2003, 05:08:44 pm »

I see no reason why it couldn't used for the side panels, you just have to have a seam. This is the best way I know of to make a seam without just trying to line up the edges, perhaps someone else has a better suggestion:

Put down one piece and then overlap the adjoining piece by 1/4" ~ 1/2

IIOIOOIOO · « **Reply #14 on:** May 15, 2003, 06:53:36 pm »

Thanks a lot man, that really does look nice. When you make your cut, do you cut the part that lays over the top of the other sheet, then?

mastercave · « **Reply #15 on:** May 15, 2003, 07:57:18 pm »

wow, this looks like an alternative if i get fed up with illustrator.

OSCAR · « **Reply #16 on:** May 15, 2003, 08:41:01 pm »

Quote from: IIOIOOIOO on May 15, 2003, 06:53:36 pm

Thanks a lot man, that really does look nice. When you make your cut, do you cut the part that lays over the top of the other sheet, then?

I overlapped one sheet over the other, and then I cut through both sheets about halfway through the overlap. This ensures a perfect match between the adjoining sheets since they were both cut with the same stroke. If it isn't clear, I'll try to explain it better.

After the cut, you will have to go back and peel up the edge on the overlapping side to take the trimmed piece out, but when that is removed you lay it back down flat and the edge matches up perfect. The photo makes the seam appear more visible than it really is because the camera flash highlights the details. I doubt a casual observer would even notice the seam unless it was pointed out. I think the textured finish helps mask the seam, too.

SirPeale · « **Reply #17 on:** May 15, 2003, 08:49:30 pm »

Yeah, that's pretty sharp looking stuff. As I SUCK at Illustrator, I belive this is an avenue I will take for covering my CP.

OSCAR · « **Reply #18 on:** May 15, 2003, 10:43:48 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on May 14, 2003, 12:43:07 pm

Quote from: rampy on May 14, 2003, 12:22:54 pm
...i wonder if we can find the source to the source to get longer (er... wider?) rolls for those who wish to do the sides of your cabs or ... different colors and whatnot... *shrug*

I've been on the search, but came up dry so far. I'll keep looking.

Umm, I guess it could have been very easy for me to just flip it over and look at the backing paper...

So I would assume it is manufactured in China, but who else distributes this material, I have no idea.

RandyT · « **Reply #19 on:** May 15, 2003, 11:13:19 pm »

Oh, sure........

Heh. That should help some. Thanks!

RandyT

Nil8er · « **Reply #20 on:** May 23, 2003, 03:17:54 pm »

Oscar can you give any advice about what I should do to the MDF before I try to adhere this covering? Should I sand the MDF or skuff it in some way before applying the vinyl?
Thanks.

Nyrine · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2003, 07:03:42 pm »

Is it really 10mm thick ?

Or does 10 mil mean something else ?

At 1cm (0.4") thats pretty hefty...

OSCAR · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2003, 07:20:34 pm »

I did nothing special to the MDF before I installed it. I just wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles before installing it.

1 mil = .001", so this vinyl is about .01" thick.

Lilwolf · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2003, 09:02:27 pm »

I REALLY like the texture look of it. I got some vinyl on ebay really cheap a while ago... but it's very smooth an has that plasticy look that you mentioned.

but the nice thing about it is it matched the rest of my cab (smooth black) so i could use it for a few places that needed a touch up.

I might have to get some more though. I really like the texture!

HeadRusch · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2003, 02:25:50 pm »

For what its worth, this is very similar to the "look" of that Rustoleum Hammered Black paint I slathered on my cab 2 weeks ago.

I like the idea of using it for a CP overlay....no need to lexan I would imagine if the stuff is thick enough, yes?

Hmmm.....does Parts Express have a minimum? I might order some just to have handy in case I wanna play....

zaphod · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2003, 03:58:45 pm »

Quote from: HeadRusch on May 24, 2003, 02:25:50 pm

Hmmm.....does Parts Express have a minimum? I might order some just to have handy in case I wanna play....

No minimum but S/H is a little much if you order just one roll. I ended up ordering 4 rolls (4+ rolls are cheaper per unit) plus S/H ended up being just a dollar more than to ship just 1. I'm sure you can find someone to take a roll or two off your hands if it is too much.
It is very close to how my painted CP turned out, too. Never can have too many options, though.

Dexter · « **Reply #26 on:** May 26, 2003, 07:21:29 am »

Anybody know of a european distributor for this stuff??

Dexter

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #27 on:** May 29, 2003, 10:15:44 am »

Quote from: zaphod on May 24, 2003, 03:58:45 pm

Quote from: HeadRusch on May 24, 2003, 02:25:50 pm
Hmmm.....does Parts Express have a minimum? I might order some just to have handy in case I wanna play....

No minimum but S/H is a little much if you order just one roll. I ended up ordering 4 rolls (4+ rolls are cheaper per unit) plus S/H ended up being just a dollar more than to ship just 1. I'm sure you can find someone to take a roll or two off your hands if it is too much.
It is very close to how my painted CP turned out, too. Never can have too many options, though.

Technically, yes, there is no minimum, but there is a $3 surcharge on orders under $20.00. So for one CP, it gets pretty pricey at one roll - $12.88+$3+~$9 shipping=$25.00.

This is basically the same stuff that OzStick uses. It's supposed to be available from sign printers, but I've never seen anyone (outside of E-bay) selling it in less than 100ft rolls.

MilitiaMan · « **Reply #28 on:** May 29, 2003, 11:12:14 am »

Quote from: OSCAR on May 23, 2003, 07:20:34 pm

I did nothing special to the MDF before I installed it. I just wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles before installing it.

1 mil = .001", so this vinyl is about .01" thick.

OK ... based on what I read here, I ordered a roll of this stuff to "see for myself". I put a CP together last night and used this to cover it up. I must say it came out pretty nice, but here are a couple of notes for those of you that might be considering it.

1. Make sure your surface is COMPLETELY clean and flat before applying this vinyl. Any particles that you may have left or any imperfections in your wood underneath will show up very clearly. This stuff is not an option for you if you are trying to "cover up" a woodworking mistake or imperfection in your wood.

2. This stuff is very very very sticky once you peel the backing off ... not like contact paper where you can lift it up and place it down again. Be very careful when you apply it to your wood. If you make a mistake like bubbling or folding of the vinyl, you WILL have to start over.

3. This stuff is very easy to cut with a razor (or exacto knife) making it very easy to work around edges, cut out holes for trackball, etc.

All in All ... this is pretty good stuff. It looks very professional when finished and the price is pretty good considering you should be able to cover 2 pretty good sized CP's with one roll.

Thanks for the tip, OSCAR.

MM

Grasshopper · « **Reply #29 on:** May 29, 2003, 05:49:48 pm »

Quote from: Dexter on May 26, 2003, 07:21:29 am

Anybody know of a european distributor for this stuff??

Dexter

I've just found these people by doing a google search. Their vinyl look quite promising. I'm going to order one of their catalogues to check out their prices.

http://www.grafityp.co.uk/index.htm

HeadRusch · « **Reply #30 on:** May 29, 2003, 07:53:56 pm »

Well if anyone has a spare roll, I just bought a new coctail thats got some ugly a55ed wood paneling thats gotta get covered

I'm down for a roll of this mystery super vinyl stuff, anyone got a spare??

OSCAR · « **Reply #31 on:** June 06, 2003, 01:30:09 pm »

For lack of a better place to put this, I'm just going to add on to this thread...

I tried the cherry woodgrain vinyl from PartsExpress because it appeared on the web that it would be a pretty close match to my Ms.Pac/Galaga reunion cocktail I'm repairing the side on. For anyone interested, some pics of the cocktail and the damaged side can be seen here: www.oscarcontrols.com/cocktail

This vinyl is a bit too red compared to the original, but it still looks pretty good I think. The grain pattern looks very close to the original, but it has an "open grain" texture (like real oak) that doesn't really show up in the photo, where the original melamine is completely smooth. I'm half tempted just to leave it as-is because it is the monitor side that will go up against the wall, but if I get picky about it, I just might recover the other sides, too. This stuff goes on so quick and easy, I'm sure I will end up redoing the other 3 sides anyway... Here's how it looks compared to the original melamine (cherry vinyl on the left):

mahuti · « **Reply #32 on:** June 06, 2003, 02:06:41 pm »

By the way, you can buy vinyl from a fabric store and attach it with upholstry tacks, staples, or glue to control panels or cabinets. It's generally about 7 to 12$ per yard (yard square)

I used some as a temporary overlay.. you can see it in the link in my signature.

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #33 on:** June 06, 2003, 04:04:29 pm »

I am wondering can you use contact cement with this

In case the vinyl dont stick well.
So far it looks great but would contact cement be overkill?

mahuti · « **Reply #34 on:** June 06, 2003, 08:02:04 pm »

You can use fabric glue applied with a brush. Buy it at the fabric store.

If you staple it down, when you plan to apply the vinyl heat it very hot with a blowdryer. Staple it down and let it cool. Then cut the holes. If it's hot when it's applied it will be a bit stretched and shrink out any loose spots while it's cooling.

I'll post pics later of the tacks on the bottom of the board.

OSCAR · « **Reply #35 on:** June 06, 2003, 09:33:44 pm »

Quote from: SNAAAKE on June 06, 2003, 04:04:29 pm

I am wondering can you use contact cement with this

Can you? Probably.

Would I? No.

The adhesive seems just fine to me. If you had a problem with an edge peeling up, perhaps you could go back later and apply some contact cement or other adhesive. We had a pretty good MvsC showdown the other night when a few guys came over and the vinyl is still holding strong, still like new! No additional adhesive necessary yet!

Minwah · « **Reply #36 on:** June 07, 2003, 03:19:18 pm »

Possibly part no. KS46A from Maplin (UK) may be similar stuff. It is meant for speaker / guitar amp covering. The pictures on the website are crap, but I recall seeing pictures of the stuff in the Maplin catalog some years ago - it looked pretty good.

You can get it as wide as you like (multiples of 25cm), which is good.

I'll post if decide to try it for my cab...

edit: www.maplin.co.uk

AlanS17 · « **Reply #37 on:** June 26, 2003, 11:09:54 am »

What's your progress on this stuff. I'm ready to make an order, but I wanna get the right stuff.

SirPeale · « **Reply #38 on:** December 02, 2003, 08:32:38 pm »

Just giving this a * B U M P * there seems to be some recent interest in this...

DeafBug · « **Reply #39 on:** December 02, 2003, 10:56:22 pm »

Thanks for bumping it up. I was trying to figure out how to finish up my control panel top if I happen to crack the Tuf-Lucite sheet. I will be drilling the holes soon. If I crack it. I don't want to give it a second try. Now I see this post. Thanks for the head up.

BTW, I see that OSCAR mention about how expensive shipping can add up. So is there anything else to from this website? I practically got everything I need for construction. Only need the velcro to hold down the control panel. I don't want to full secure it as if something did go wrong and I could make replacement easy. So any other little thing that one could forget to add to the cabinet? I will be using a TV and a PC.


Main	Restorations	Software	Audio/Jukebox/MP3	Everything Else	Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements	Monitor/Video	GroovyMAME	Merit/JVL Touchscreen	Meet Up	Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing	Woodworking	Software Support Forums	Consoles	Project Arcade	Reviews
Automated Projects	Artwork	Frontend Support Forums	Pinball	Forum Discussion	Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board	controls.dat	Linux	Miscellaneous Arcade	Wiki Discussion	Old Archives
Lightguns	Arcade1Up	Try the site in https mode		Site News


Unread posts \| New Replies \| Recent posts \| Rules \| Chatroom \| Wiki \| File Repository \| RSS \| Submit news