Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Rusty Shackelford on March 22, 2009, 09:52:54 am

Title: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Rusty Shackelford on March 22, 2009, 09:52:54 am: 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 :banghead: ( 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
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Franco B on March 23, 2009, 02:40:47 am: Hi Rusty, for UK laminate suppliers and info take a look in [this (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=82995.0)] and [this (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84617.0)] 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.
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Rusty Shackelford on March 23, 2009, 03:44:39 pm: 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 :cheers:
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Silas (son of Silas) on April 28, 2009, 04:53:36 pm: 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.
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: retrofuture on May 30, 2009, 05:55:47 pm: Quote from: Silas (son of Silas) on April 28, 2009, 04:53:36 pm
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.
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Rusty Shackelford on May 31, 2009, 02:22:54 pm: 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 )
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: retrofuture on May 31, 2009, 03:11:10 pm: I'm considering Fablon again! At least I know where I stand with it.
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: Silas (son of Silas) on June 06, 2009, 04:44:30 pm: Quote from: retrofuture on May 31, 2009, 03:11:10 pm
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. ;-)
Title: Re: Fablon Vinyl or Laminate? UK based
Post by: retrofuture on June 06, 2009, 05:36:47 pm: 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...