How to attach overlay to control panel????

[liche]

What is the best method for attaching a graphic overlay to a control panel?

The graphic i'm planning on using is printed on paper.  My concerns are how to attach the graphic so that it still looks good without wrinkles etc...

I also assume my control panel must be extremely smooth, possible sanded prior to attaching the overlay.

Then after, that i would put plexiglass over the control panel and overlya.

Any help appreciated!!!

Thanks

[SirPoonga]

two way, depending on your CP.  Plexi, under the plexi:)  No plexi, spray adhesive, use a roller to get out the bubbles.

[liche]

What kind of rollers work best??  Foam type rollers (such as those yellow painting ones) or rubber rollers?

L

[rampy]

I think he meant a wooden or rubber roller... think a rolling pin like used to roll out dough. (at least that's what I think he meant, anyways...)

rampy

[neuromancer]

What kind of rollers work best??  

You can buy "J rollers" with a small, hard rubber roller, intended for things like contact cementing plastic cement to particle board.

I would suggest getting the paper laminated before gluing it down. If you have enough buttons, you might not really need to glue it, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt

Bob

[SirPoonga]

yep, those rollers.  It's what wallpaper people use.  I use a small one for attaching photos to stuff.

[dhansen]

On my latest project I laminated the CP artwork and am not too happy with the results.  When it's laminated, the texture of the overlay is a little bumpy and this shows through the lexan when you apply it.  Also the holes are really hard to cut out.  

Another thing I noticed is when you tighten your buttons down the lexan presses against the laminiated graphic and creates a weird bubbling effect like there is water between the lexan and the graphic. (it doesn't look as bad as this pic suggests)



Then again, maybe I'm too picky... I blame PCC for that!

Doug