Applying a Control Panel Overlay Correctly

[ChicagoDave]

I have a question about applying a control panel overlay.

My first overlay (which was basically the famouse black marble shelving paper) began to bubble up after a couple months.  I realize that my mistake was that I applied it directly to bare MDF.

A couple of months ago I purcased a new CPO from Mamemarquees.com (great quality by the way).  In the instructions, it says that I should treat the control panel top with either paint or clear laquer.

I was just wondering how most people have had their success.  I don't want the new overlay to bubble up like the old one.  I was planning to just apply the same primer I used to paint the cabinet, but I'm not sure if that will be good enough.

Are most people appling their overlay:
1) To primer
2) To paint
3) To polyurethane or laquer

Also, how well does the paint stick to the trackball mounting plate?

Thanks in advance...

[lanman31337]

Hello sir.  The reason to paint before applying is to stop the wood from being porous and absorbing the glue over time.  you can use any of those methods, however, a single coat of polyurethane will seal it up pretty well, or a coat of good primer.  as far as the trackball mounting plate goes, they make special paints for plastics.  scrub the plate up good with some soap and water, then wipe it down with some rubbing alcohol.  this will get rid of all the grease and oil used for the mold process.  then spray using the plastic spray paint, and voila!