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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Popcorrin on June 08, 2004, 01:02:41 pm

Title: Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: Popcorrin on June 08, 2004, 01:02:41 pm

1st question:  What do you guys typically get your CPO's printed onto?  Vinyl?

2nd question:  What would be the best way to apply a CPO that is going to go on a control panel that has a 90 degree bend?  I have never dealt with vinyl.  Would it bend 90 degrees without cracking?

What would be the best solution?  Thanks in advance.

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: fredster on June 08, 2004, 05:23:40 pm

It should.  Depends on how thick it is. Real control panel overlays do fine.

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: Minwah on June 08, 2004, 06:55:28 pm

Control panel overlays are printed onto some material, and then laminated I believe.  The laminate stops the ink from being worn off by people's hands...I think that would be a potential problem with vinyl...

I seem to recall there is a good description on this site (check the buttons on the left, not sure where it is exactly) about how the people at Hanaho do their HotRod CPO.

I believe Classic Arcade Graphics can print onto CPO of two different thicknesses - the thinner can apparently be bent round 90deg bends ok.

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: OSCAR on June 08, 2004, 07:30:03 pm

Most good repro cpo's are reverse printed on lexan film.  That protects the artwork.

If you get yours printed on vinyl, a laminate overlay is probably a good idea.  Also check with the printer and make sure the adhesive is not water soluble (most aren't, but it doesn't hurt to ask).  When you go to apply the cpo, you can use a soapy water solution or Windex to spray down the cp before you put the cpo on.  That keeps the adhesive from sticking down while you are positioning the overlay.  Then use a window squeegee to smooth out any bubbles and pull the water out from under the cpo.  Any residual water under the cpo will dry within a short time and not affect the adhesion of the cpo to the control panel.

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: crashwg on June 08, 2004, 10:38:43 pm

What companies do "reverse printed on lexan film" overlays?  It sound's expensive yet durable.

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: Popcorrin on June 09, 2004, 03:44:13 pm

I was thinking of putting plexiglass over the horizontal part of the CPO would this make a difference in the type of material you guys might use for the CPO?

Title: Re:Applying Control Panel Overlay?
Post by: Minwah on June 10, 2004, 07:11:37 am

Quote from: Popcorrin on June 09, 2004, 03:44:13 pm

I was thinking of putting plexiglass over the horizontal part of the CPO would this make a difference in the type of material you guys might use for the CPO?

Yes you could use normal vinyl as the plexi will protect the print.