[pdehn]

While my current project isn't itself a computer being worked on, it will plug into one, and has similar elements to a case I plan on building someday soon(-ish). The people of this forum seem to be exceedingly knowledgeable, so I figured I'd ask about this here.

I'm currently constructing an arcade-style control panel for my computer (for MAME and similar things), and have gotten to a part I know little about - finishing the plexiglass overlay. My experience with plexiglass is limited to cutting it (which is already being taken care of using a router and some careful drilling).

The piece will eventually be attached on top of a same-shaped piece of wood. Before doing so, I plan on painting the back of the plexiglass using some fairly simple stencil patterns I've created.

I've read information about painting plexiglass, which mentions priming first and such, but from what I can tell, what I've read all concerns painting the side that will face outward - I plan on painting the side between the plexiglass and wood (which will then be visible due to the clear property of the material...)

In particular, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions as to anything I should do to prepare the surface before painting, any particular types of paint I should use, and if there are any particular recommendations for polishing to remove minor flaws (particularly for the outward-facing, which gained some light but visible scratching while being handled).

...I'd be happy to post pictures of this once possible as well if anyone wants (or if it somehow helps answer my questions).

[ƒÓÒl]

For painting the backside of the plexi, I wouldn't prime it or even scuff it up.
What I would do is head straight for the hardware store and pickup a can of Krylon Fusion (limited color choice, but black is one of them) and paint it straight on. It's meant to adhere to plastics so there should be no problem.

My second choice would be to use some Limo Black window tint. Being sandwiched below the plexi, it will look pitch black, yet be replaceable should it get damaged later.
You can also "sandwich" in some precut stencil ( in the material of your choice) and change it up later. Like maybe some holographic silver film would look killer.

For a plexi polish, I'd go straight to www.usplastic.com and order their small bottle of Novus No. 2 fine scratch remover. If you search "polish" there, you'll find all sorts of goodies for everything you could need.

How's that?

[pdehn]

Originally Posted by ƒÓÒl

How's that?

quite helpful, thank you.

[itshondo]

you can easily scuff up plexi with a scotchbrite pad.

And Mothers makes some great plastic polish.