Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based

[Rusty Shackelford]

Ive started building my cab and am thinking about covering the sides as I dont think painting will give me a finish Ill be happy with.

Ive been looking online for a suitable black laminate with no luck  ( it would need to be no thicker than 1mm as im using 18mm MDF.

Ive found a self adhesive coating called Fablon in Focus. Has anyone used this? Is it any good ie hardwearing, easily cleaned etc.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
Thanks

[Franco B]

Hi Rusty, for UK laminate suppliers and info take a look in [this] and [this] thread.

I have never used Fablon but I don't think it will be as hardwearing as laminate. It may be a little more work to apply but you will be left with a much better result.

[Rusty Shackelford]

Thanks Franco.

When I saw the name (Blackheath) I couldnt belive it. That company is quite close to where I live! Even closer to where I work!

Ill be getting a sample
Many thanks 

[Silas (son of Silas)]

Blackheath just sent me through a sample of the Altofina range they sell. It looks perfect and the prices aren't bad. Its perfect for the black laminate I need either side of the monitor on the uprights, but the yellow in the Altofina range was too orange for the sides so I have some samples directly from Formica. Their 'Chrome Yellow' is perfect for my Pac themed build, and Blackheath can supply all the Formica range too.

Their adhesive prices are pretty good too.

[retrofuture]

It looks perfect and the prices aren't bad.

Their adhesive prices are pretty good too.

What was the quote? They're not far away from me also...

I've got some Fablon, and have used it on the front of my converted Jamma cab. If you have a sharp (or blunt with sideways motion) object nearby then beware. It's Blue Peter 'Sticky backed Plastic'.

There's no tickness specified on the roll, but it says 'film' so that says it all. I was at a vinyl cutters  business yesterday (signs, vehicles etc) and their stock is slightly thicker and a bit harder wearing, but there's not much in it.

My cab is 'Formica styled' laminated and it's much harder wearing than the fablon. If you've got kids/violent mates, then that's the way to go.

[Rusty Shackelford]

It was a while ago I think it was roughly £30 for a roll that was 3m long and 1.5m wide. You'd have to check that with Blackheath though.
I never did order any! ( considering painting again )

[retrofuture]

I'm considering Fablon again! At least I know where I stand with it.

[Silas (son of Silas)]

I'm considering Fablon again! At least I know where I stand with it.

You'll regret it. Weigh up how long you plan to keep the cab for and the cost of real laminate.

Ring Blackheath, knock up a letter head to send them and create a proforma cash account with them You won't regret it. ;-)

[retrofuture]

Thanks Silas, how thick is the Altofina laminate? I'm using 18mm MDF with 3/4" T-Molding, so I don't want the laminate sticking out at the sides...