Alternative to Perspex?

[Retro_SA]

What alternative to Perspex can I use to get a smooth finish to my control panel?  Or even to use over the monitor and for the marquee?

[severdhed]

i don't know what perspex is, but how about lexan or plexiglass?

[patrickl]

Both Plexiglass and Perspex are brands of acrylic. Lexan is a brand of polycarbonate sheets. See the BYOACWiki on Plastics

What to put on the CP is one of those heated debates. Personally I'd say the CP overlay should have some laminate on it to protect it and no lexan or plex should be needed. Other people like plexi (or lexan) on their control panel.

Same with the monitor. You can use glass or plexi. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I don't think many people use Lexan for that. Lexan scratches even easier than plexi.

[paigeoliver]

You don't NEED to have any plastic over the control panel. Most actual real live dedicated arcade games didn't come with plexiglass. Plexiglass was MOSTLY added on later to cover over the extra holes drilled in the control panel during conversions.

If you use an actual control panel overlay then it is very unlikely you will ever even begin to wear it out. (even a generic one is fine, provided it is a REAL one and not something homemade or even something printed up for you)

[CandyCabs]

I use a 3M transparent laminate on my control panels. It's designed to protect floor graphics (like the kind you see at large exhibitions or supermarkets) and it's practically scratch-proof. The great thing about it is that it can be used to cover graphics or custom paintwork and it it waterproof (or beer proof) so it lasts for ages.

[Retro_SA]

Thanks for all the advice.   I was under the impression that perspex is very expensive, but found out today that it's actually quite cheap.  Bought pieces for the control panel, screen and marquee. 

[mountain]

I use a 3M transparent laminate on my control panels. It's designed to protect floor graphics (like the kind you see at large exhibitions or supermarkets) and it's practically scratch-proof. The great thing about it is that it can be used to cover graphics or custom paintwork and it it waterproof (or beer proof) so it lasts for ages.

Do you have a link to such a product?

[u_rebelscum]

Personally I'd say the CP overlay should have some laminate on it to protect it and no lexan or plex should be needed.

Agree.

I use a 3M transparent laminate....

Do you have a link to such a product?

Ditto.  The ones I googled are small (credit card to 8.5x11 size)

[Fozzy The Bear]

Do you have a link to such a product?

Ditto.  The ones I googled are small (credit card to 8.5x11 size)

Only available in huge rolls at huge prices...... So he must have access to some at work or something similar.

3M Scotchcal 8945
Scuff ResistantFloor Graphic PS Laminate
3M Scotchcal Electrostatic Overlaminate Film 8945 (ES) is designed to provide a durable overlaminate for a variety of films. Advantages and uses include: Thick, scuff resistant protection, For floor graphics or vertical applications, dimensional stability and cold roll lamination.
210-2140 3M (8945 ES) Scotchcal Optic. Clear PS Laminate -Luster 48" x 50yds
 $711.43

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

 

[Minwah]

Personally I use laminated CPO (no plexi), and (toughened, tinted) glass for the monitor/marquee.