Side Art Solution?

[MaddogDU]

Newie here.  Working on a multi-game cabinet and thinking about the art.  What happens if I do this:

1.  Sand existing surfaces (in pretty good shape, have done some wood filling).
2.  Primer
3.  Paint
4.  Print side art on paper
5.  Add 3M spray adhesive to the back
6.  Stick paper art on the side of the cab.
7.  Cover with polyurethane (say 3 coats)

Is this an option?  Will the poly make the ink run?

Thanks for your input.  This is a great site.

[ErikRuud]

I have done this with control panel artwork and instruction cards and it has held up well.

My only concern would be the size of the side art if you do not have access to a large format printer.

[MaddogDU]

I have access to a good, large printer.  I think I might give this a shot and see how it turns out.  I did a test last night on something printed out of the home computer and it worked pretty well.  I think the important things here are to have a good, clean, smooth surface, not apply too much adhesive and apply the art evenly to avoid bubbles.  I guess with side art, the concern is that as you are moving the machine around and through doors, if you scratch through the poly to the art, you could  be screwed.

Thanks for the input.

[Barracuda]

As I understand it, oil based polyurethane has a tendancy to yellow. You might be better off using a water based acrylic.  Something to think about...

[ErikRuud]

As I understand it, oil based polyurethane has a tendancy to yellow. You might be better off using a water based acrylic.  Something to think about...

Oil based polyurethane is also more likely to make the ink run.

[Barracuda]

Might even try decoupage (Mod Podge).  Although this might be tricky to get brush strokes out but hardens very well and is very easy to work with.  I love the spirit of your DIY idea but you might check into professional work too.  http://www.mamemarquees.com/ has an excellent product.  They can also print your graphic for you.  I got one of their side graphics and highly recommend them.

[MaddogDU]

Thanks.  I will be getting a marquee from them at some point.  I like the decapoge idea, too.

[BASS!]

I worked in a print shop for a time and had access to a plotter and all sorts of adhesives and laminates. If you have access to a big solvent jet printer and a pressure sensitive laminator then go for it, just make sure you use uv laminate. They make rolls of clear polycarb from lexjet and gbc. otherwise have mamemarques do it, I used them for a cpo and it turned out ok.

[MaddogDU]

Well, my idea was an utter failure.  The poly did not make the ink run, but it did cause the large paper print to bubble.  I think this process is a possibility for small art, but not something as big as side art.  Order placed with Mame Marquees. 

Thanks for all of the input.

[waveryder]

An alternative could be to paint your sideart directly onto your cab. I did this years ago on my first cabinet.

If you paint in acrylics or enamel a quick couple of clear coats and it stays strong and looking good for years. Just my £0.02

[Pops]

Waveryder thats a nice cab, any more pics of it?
And how did you do the painting, airbrush with stencils or brush directly on, some skills either way.

[Ritalin]

Doesn't Kinkos (at other print service shops) print to adhesive-backed vinyl?

I haven't created my side art yet, but that's what I was planning on using.

[waveryder]

I brush painted it originally. Dont have any more pics im afraid as I sold that one a few years back. Its not to hard to do a hand painted/spray painted piece with stencils though. Cartridge paper works really well, if stuck on with a really low tack adhesive. Over here we have stuff called "copydex" You can brush it right onto your cab and spray over it. Then just pick it off. Makes a great easy mask. I use the "copydex" mask for doing loads of other projects eg. car body decals / wall murals etc; Just an alternative.

Doesn't Kinkos (at other print service shops) print to adhesive-backed vinyl?

I haven't created my side art yet, but that's what I was planning on using.

The vinyl has to be rated weatherproof to survive day to day stains splashes. Coffee, children, that beer that went flying after your button bashing friend just accidentaily performed gouki's 15 hit combo in SFA2. You wont get that kind of protection from stock adhesive vinyl. Thats ne of the reasons the majority of people goto Mamemarquees. Getting a decent quality protected vinyl will cost you more than Mamemarquees work. My £0.02

[BASS!]

Doesn't Kinkos (at other print service shops) print to adhesive-backed vinyl?

I haven't created my side art yet, but that's what I was planning on using.

If you don't have access to a printer, then get mamemarques to do it. The thing about self adhesive vinyl is it is handy and fast, but you will never get the same result as printing to a heavy substrate, laminating it and applying an adhesive to the back. The only thing that happens is your side art can get quite thick. Also kinkos is horrible about reproducing good color, if you have a lot of blacks or vivid colors, count on them looking "off". Scott takes his time and the colors usually come out looking stunning.