Question on Control Panel graphics & holes

[spoonTRex]

I'm looking at getting a custom control panel graphic from gameongraphix, the stuff that's covered with polycarbinate laminate. If I get it adhesive, and apply it to my CP before I've drilled holes, would this be ruined to then drill my holes into the CP and the graphic?

I'm just afraid if I pre-drill my holes I'm going to be off when I finally apply the graphic.

Any thoughts or advice in this area?

[dfmaverick]

The way I did it was to put small crosshairs where I wanted the buttons/stick holes on the art. When I got the art back, I taped it down to the CP and used an awl to puncture through the art and into the CP at the crosshairs. This indentation is where I would center my drill (I used a spade bit) for the holes. After removing the art, I drilled the holes. Affixed the art and used a razor to slice into the art to put the buttons in.

Not sure if drilling through the laminate would damage it. (Note: I used a different material/printer)

[spoonTRex]

Wow, thanks, that actually helps a lot.

[mgb]

Also with Game on Graffix, for an extra fee ($12, I think) they will include a black and white template.

[nexus446]

just to bump this post im looking to do the same with a self adhesive custom artwork for the control panel with my hole centres marked out on the artwork ready to centre to panel, my question is what is the best program to use to design the artwork with and to make sure when printed everything is to scale? my area is building the cabinet and not with the artwork stuff 

[fallacy]

Adobe Photoshop.

Of course it will do you little good if you don’t know how to use the program, there is a lot to learn.

[mgb]

you can do alot with Paint shop pro too.
of course its not as good as Photoshop but it's alot cheaper and shuold work fine for graphics for an arcade.