Control panel overlay problems need help.

Fatboypros

New member
Joined
Dec 1, 2016
Messages
40
Reaction score
1
Location
Guinda, California
so the past two control panel overlays I have done I have had problems. Both cps were stripped to bare metal and sanded. Cleaned and dried then the overlays were layed down. Both went down great, no bubbles. I rolled them with a handheld laminate roller and within a few hours bubbles have started to pop up. This happened to both and I used two different manufactures for each cp overlay thinking my supply was the problem.

Should I be priming/painting the bare metal for better adhesion?
 
I have always added the step of spraying the panels with a black rustoleum spray paint two coats and let dry for a week. I have never had problems with lifting / bubbling. Hope it helps.
 
I have always added the step of spraying the panels with a black rustoleum spray paint two coats and let dry for a week. I have never had problems with lifting / bubbling. Hope it helps.

I always spray the control panel as well, but I think white makes the lighter colors in the cpo pop better than black ;)

attachment.php


attachment.php


That is from my Multi-Williams that I did in 2011. Still not one issue with it coming up or cracks at the bend. I think it also has to do with the quality of the overlay you are buying. Where are you buying your overlays from?
 
very strange that is happening, I've done bare metal and painted with no issues, is everything the same temperature when you're applying?

yeah, weird. any oil in the cleaning products that could've left a residue?
 
No reason a CPO shouldn't adhere normally to bare metal.

I've always sanded down to bare metal and then used acetone to remove any oils or residual dust.

If you buy a high-quality CPO with good 3M adhesive, it should stick no problem.

Around tight corners you should clamp the CPO first for a day or 2 to get it to relax.



EDIT: you can see my Wide Body Control panel restoration here: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,150090.msg1571128.html#msg1571128

I ended up having to use contact Cement on the 90 degree corners. Holding up like a champ.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help guys! Those control panels look awesome!

-My final wipe down was with acetone, I made sure to let it dry and wipe over with a clean cloth.

-One set came from gameongraffix, the other was a random eBay seller.

-Overlay was same tempature as control panel.

I will definitely start painting the bare metal before applying. And look into higher quality overlays. Recommendations?

As far as the current situation I have tried working the bubbles out to the edge, they won't move so i believe my last resort is to poke a tiny hole and press them down. i don't like this option.
 
Thanks for the help guys! Those control panels look awesome!

-My final wipe down was with acetone, I made sure to let it dry and wipe over with a clean cloth.

-One set came from gameongraffix, the other was a random eBay seller.

-Overlay was same tempature as control panel.

I will definitely start painting the bare metal before applying. And look into higher quality overlays. Recommendations?

As far as the current situation I have tried working the bubbles out to the edge, they won't move so i believe my last resort is to poke a tiny hole and press them down. i don't like this option.

Making a slit with a new razor blade is a good option also. Try to make the slit along a black line if possible or where 2 colors meet to make it less noticeable.
 
Nothing in mind yet for the next cp Im just thinking ahead for the next machine I buy. Which will be soon. Mostly likely it will be what ever is cheapest, needs the most woodworking, and of course doesn't work. Ha.
 
Phoenix Arcade makes some of the best artwork in the hobby.

Arcadeshop also makes very high quality stuff and it's where I got my Mario Bros Wide Body CPO that is extremely accurate and high quality.

I have bought some "cheaper" artwork from some other printers and ebay sellers...NEVER AGAIN.

After getting good artwork from good printers, I'm never looking back.
 
Back
Top Bottom