CPO question

[gman314]

Hello.  I am new to these forums and have just started building my first project (the Ultimate Arcade bartop from mameroom.com).  This may be an obvious question, but what would be the best method to install a control panel overlay? As a first time builder, I'm thinking (and it is likely that I'm wrong) that I would line up the CPO with the actual panel, and then cut out holes for where the buttons, joystick, and spinner will go, and lastly install the buttons. Does this sound anywhere close to what I actually need to do? Also, it seems that some people have a plexiglass laminate on their CPOs (I can't find any such thing on the mamemaquees.com site). Is this recommended/necessary? My only concern is that I'm thinking of having my CPO cover not only the top of the panel, but the front portion as well. Something tells me that this would not be possible with a rigid laminate material.

Also, when installing side art, does it make sense to cover the entire sides, or just a portion of those sides? (I'm looking at the mini multi marquees for this).  Thanks in advance for all of your help!