Question About Control Panel Overlays

ela2

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Hi,

Do control panel overlays have adhesive on the back? I've ordered but haven't received it. Their support says to use windex to mist the area and apply the overlay and squeegee out the bubbles? Is that correct? (Almost like applying a Zagg screen protector)

Thanks!
 
Hi,

Do control panel overlays have adhesive on the back? I've ordered but haven't received it. Their support says to use windex to mist the area and apply the overlay and squeegee out the bubbles? Is that correct? (Almost like applying a Zagg screen protector)

Thanks!

Yep, hopefully 3M adhesive.
 
Hey thanks...But do you apply much like they suggest by wetting the area? Seems a little odd to me if the adhesive is there?

The dishsoap/water mixture will not compromise the overall adhesive qualities of the CPO in the long run. On CPO's however, due to the nature of the sharp bends that an overlay must conform to, the wet method will make the adhesive less tacky at first, causing the overlay to not stick down at the bends and edges. In those cases, it will need to be clamped with plastic clamps. On overlays, I never use the wet method, as I don't think it's necessary. Just remove the buttons and joysticks, clean off the old overlay down to the metal and then remove the adhesive residue with brake cleaner. Sand smooth and give it a coat of primer and then a coat of satin black rustoleum spray paint. Let the paint cure at least 2-3 days, then apply the overlay. Most folks set the overlay in place, replace the buttons, then bend the over lay back at the button line, remove half of the backing, then cut off the piece of backing that you just peeled back conforming to a straight cut-off line. Now begin laying the overlay down, 1 inch at a time, using a rubber spreader or credit card to burnish it from the center down, then from the center to the edges, watching for bubbles and ripples. Don't go to hard or too fast, or you could end up sticking it down at the wrong angle. They are a bitch to peel back up and re-align if you screw up.
 
Last edited:
The dishsoap/water mixture will not compromise the overall adhesive qualities of the CPO in the long run. On CPO's however, due to the nature of the sharp bends that an overlay must conform to, the wet method will make the adhesive less tacky at first, causing the overlay to not stick down at the bends and edges. In those cases, it will need to be clamped with plastic clamps. On overlays, I never use the wet method, as I don't think it's necessary. Just remove the buttons and joysticks, clean off the old overlay down to the metal and then remove the adhesive residue with brake cleaner. Sand smooth and give it a coat of primer and then a coat satin black rustoleum spray paint. Let the paint cure at least 2-3 days, then apply the overlay. Most folks set the overlay in place, replace the buttons, then bend the over lay back at the button line, remove half of the backing, then cut off the piece of backing that you just peeled back conforming to a straight cut-off line. Now begin laying the overlay down, 1 inch at a time, using a rubber spreader or credit card to burnish it from the center down, then from the center to the edges, watching for bubbles and ripples. Don't go to hard or too fast, or you could end up sticking it down at the wrong angle. They are a bitch to peel back up and re-align if you screw up.

Much Appreciated! Still learning! Thanks!
 
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