How to protect custom side art?

[flampoo]

I just printed off some custom sideart for a cab I'm building. I used a plotter and printed on heavyweight matte paper. After I cut and spray the back of the art with adhesive paper then mount it to the arcade, what's the best (and cheapest) solution for sealing/protecting the artwork? I don't want to bother with lamination.
Suggestions?

[spystyle]

This is total overkill but you could ...

Build your cabinet side panels out of 5/8" material, then lay down the art, then cover it entirely with 1/8" acrylic, and use 3/4" t-molding (5/8" + 1/8" = 3/4")

This would protect your side art forever, and the sides of your cabinet would be shiny and smooth.

I think that would look so cool !

Dig it?
Craig

[Nannuu]

You can use this clear acrylic spray or something similar.  I think there are some other brands around as well.

http://www.papilio.com/spray%20clear%20acrylic%20wood%20metal%20crafts%20aerosol.html

[REBIRTH]

I used a liquid acrylic that I rolled on with a paint roller type thing.  I started with the spray, but I found it to dry pretty uneven (I was trying to cover a large area) and was very thin for my liking.  I did about 3 coats of the liquid acrylic (can get it at any art supply store).  Not as solid as 1/8th inch acrylic panel as someone else suggested, but I think it is pretty good.

[patrickl]

I used a roll of clear self adhesive plastic to cover the print.

[dvdapex]

I used a liquid acrylic that I rolled on with a paint roller type thing.  I started with the spray, but I found it to dry pretty uneven (I was trying to cover a large area) and was very thin for my liking.  I did about 3 coats of the liquid acrylic (can get it at any art supply store).  Not as solid as 1/8th inch acrylic panel as someone else suggested, but I think it is pretty good.

Does liquid acrylic saturate paper?  For example: if I wanted to put a poster on my cabinet as side art, could I cover it with liquid acrylic without it warping the poster or messing it up like other liquids would?

[big_garryb]

i am doing as Spystyle said - covering all with lexan....... im sticking a couple of bolts through to hold it - also means it will be fairly easy tochange the artwork if i wanna.!!!

garryb