Inst Panel Markings

With a little bit of time my method will give you perfect,
permanent results. I use self-levelling epoxy clear
finish available at Lowes and other hardware stores.

Remove the panel and remove its instruments. Make
labels from paper, plastic stick-on labels, purchased
transfers, or whatever.

Lay panel on top of a cardboard box and shim bottom
of box so that the panel is PERFECTLY level in all
directions. Put labels in place. Check level three
times to make sure. (Cardboard box should have newspapers
spread widely underneath to catch all drips)

Mix finish according to directions and pour onto panel,
spreading as evenly as possible during pouring. Do
not brush.

Pass a propane torch back and forth about 6' - 8' above
the wet finish until bubbles dissipate. Be careful
not to get too close, or hesitate in moving back and
forth. Either can damage the finish.

Let sit until finish sets (24 hrs?) Clean out instrument
holes and screw holes with an Exacto knife. Labels
under this finish will not deteriorate. The panel
will be smooth and shiny; it looks exceptionally good
on the rare wood veneer I glued to my panel.



At 14:18 31 March 2004, Todd Pattist wrote:
Eric Greenwell wrote:

Clear 2' wide
packaging tape is thin and easily applied to the top
side, then cut to
size. It seems durable in my glider, as does clear
'Contact' shelf
paper, which works well when both dimensions exceed
2'.

Two seasons of sun on the clear packing tape I've used
seems
to cause a separation between the printed label and
the
tape. I can peel the tape off easily and it separates
at
all the edges by itself. I've found the clear Contact
shelf
paper to work better. Perhaps it's the tape or ink
I used.

Todd Pattist - 'WH' Ventus C
(Remove DONTSPAMME from address to email reply.)