Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: numbnutz48 on April 13, 2015, 12:49:24 am
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What is the best way to prep my MDF for the application of my artwork?
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Prime. Sand. Paint with glossy paint. Let dry completely. Apply artwork. (I prefer the "dry" technique for applying vinyl)
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Glossy paint instead of just going over the primer?
What is the "dry" method??
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Paint your cabinet the same color as the predominant color in your artwork. You'd be surprised how much the color under it can show through. Dry method is just putting it on normally. Wet method is using something like Rapidtac where you spray the surface first and apply your artwork then squeegee it smooth. I prefer wet because it lets you lift up and readjust.
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He's right about the paint color. Sometimes the vinyl is so thin that the under-painting color will show through, especially if you painted white.
Dry method means that I measure and place my artwork, tape it down, then cut the backing and roll smooth onto the cab. I usually will cut the backing about 1/3 the way down from the top of the cabinet, then roll up, then roll down and finish the artwork off. Then cut excess. There is no budging, you need to place the art perfectly, because the whole idea is that the artwork will not slip at all with this method. Masking tape is your friend here!
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I've come to the conclusion that I suck at applying side art. But I suck less using the wet method. The wet method takes a little longer and you have to be very careful not to damage your art by over smooth in to squeeze out liquid. If you have a premask make sure you let everything dry thoroughly or you'll pull up your art or possibly tear it.
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My plan is to have the art printed on a black backed material? I'm wondering if using a gloss paint will allow it to peel slightly for readjustment?
Any recommendation on a place to have artwork printed?