I use this basic process for the front panels of my L/C Meter IIB. Transparency film directly onto plastic. I have some over two years old that show no signs of deterioration. The example is for my version of the "poor man's spectrum analyzer" which I will use to test a new Digital Center Frequency Display and Marker Generator designed for that kit.

Materials required

• Computer with graphics program.
• high resolution laser or ink jet printer.
• One of these must be capable of flipping the image horizontally
• Colored shelf paper (from local hardware store) OPTIONAL
• Mine had red, green, lite blue, dark blue, yellow and white
• wood tones are also available (flowered prints too, if you're into flowered print front panels).
• Shelf paper is mearly to give a colored front panel. The process is applicable to plastic and painted surfaces without the shelf paper.
• Laser or ink jet transparency film
• Elmers spray adhesive (from local hardware store)

Figure 1, Begin by laying out the panels physical dimensions.

• Locate the centerlines of all controls and cutouts.
• Put circles to represent the actual size of the knobs
• Print out a copy of this.
• Use it to center punch the locations on the actual panel.

Figure 2, Add the desired labels

• I have not tried this with ink jet printer and ink jet transparency film but assuming it works and you have a color printer you could really go wild.

Figure 3, Delete the dimensional data

Figure 4, Flip the panel horizontally (this puts the ink on the back side)

• Most graphics programs have a "Flip Horizontal" or "Mirror Horizontal" function to do this. (I use Corel Draw)
• If your's doesn't then several image processing packages do have.
• Print it out on Laser Transparency Film (or ink jet transparency film)
• if you can't print on transparency film, xerox a copy onto the film.
• Trim it to the dimension of the colored pane.

Assemblying the panel

• Clean surfaces are necessary for best results
• As I say, I have not tried ink jet but I suspect that it would be best to let the ink dry throughly before proceeding.
• Using the template of figure 1, drill and machine all holes.
• Using hobby knife and metal ruler
• Trim some colored shelf paper to the size of the colored pane
• locate the colored pane on the panel and stick it down
• buff down with a soft cloth.
• Using a sharp hobby knife, cut holes in the shelf paper to match the holes in the panel.
• Using hobby knife and metal ruler
• Trim the transparency film to match the colored pane or entire panel
• Spray Elmers Spray Adhesive on the BACK of the transparent film (side with the ink on it) .
• Spray a UNIFORM amount. Don't have to overdo it.
• If you have a WINDOW in the panel (as in the example) don't spray the film, spray the panel.
• If you are covering the entire panel, or mask the panel, you can spray the adhesive on the panel instead of the film.
• Stick it down to the colored pane.
• Buff it down with a soft cloth.
• Using a sharp hobby knife, trim holes in the film to match the holes in the panel.
• Allow the panel to dry a few hours before mounting controls.
• ALWAY USE FLAT WASHERS UNDER NUTS THAT HOLD THE CONTROLS
• This will help prevent wrinkling the film when tightening the nuts.
• NEVER SPRAY WINDOW CLEANER DIRECTLY ON THE PANEL.
• This can seep under the edges of the transparency and stain the glue an ugly brown.
• Spray the cleaner on the cloth or paper towel and use it to wipe the panel.

Figure 5, The finished panel

( picture is a bit fuzzy, limited by the resolution of my camcorder)

Removing the panel label

• You can remove the panel, in case you screw up or change your mind, by lifting a corner of the transparency with a hobby knife and pealing it off.
• This will leave most of the ink and most of the glue on your panel.
• Use a product similar to "goo-gone" (available at your hardware store) to remove the glue.
• I've heard that WD-40 will do this although I have not tried it.
• Wash the panel using liquid dish detergent and rinse throughly. Dry with soft cloth.
• This could ruin the shelf paper so you may have to remove it and clean its glue off as well.

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