Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Artwork => Topic started by: ataritoobin on August 29, 2006, 12:31:54 am
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I'm making an interactive arcade machine for an upcoming art project and I'm curious as if there's a thin, clear, textured lexan material similar to that used on old control panel overlays? Is there some place that will print a one off on this type of material (rather than screened)? Is this available in rolls?
Also, is there a black vinyl or lexan covering for cabinets that is smooth? I've seen the stuff from Parts Express (using it on a Dig Dug restoration!) but the stuff from them, Happ, and a couple vending distributers is all textured..is there a smooth black available?
Thanks!
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www.mamemarquee.com
laminated vinyl is what you are looking for !
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If you're looking for a covering that's smooth you could try a formica/wilsonart laminate, but there's still just a slight texture to those. Almost imperceptable though, and pretty reasonably priced if you have lam flush trim bit, etc. I've also seen various acrylite/lexan materials that are tinted, but much much thicker than I think you want. Sintra has nearly no grain either, but again, thick.
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Well I've yet to test the long-term durability of my arcade covering, but I used a Matt Black finish Fablon. Fablon (or any other type of sticky-back plastic) works well as it is much cheaper than lexan/formica, is flexible enough to be styled exactly as wanted, and the high-grade Fablon hides minor imperfections and has no texture of it's own. I covered all of my cabinet in Fablon, which is available in rolls wide enough to be applied without 'piecing' sections together. What I also found was that because it is relatively thin, it can be curled over the edges and under the T-moulding,leaving a better finish around the edges thatn lexan, which over time could lift and peel.
Give it a go if you are on a budget. My cabinet was covered with 4 rolls of the stuff, for a cost of about