New Instrument Panel

N

nph

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I am replacing the instrument panels on my boat (1987 Regal 277XL) The old panels were plastic or plexiglass.
For the new panels I am using 3/16" Aluminum. I am going to have the panels powder coated after all of the cutting and holes are drilled.
I would like to have all of the labels for the switches engraved, but I am not sure if I should have it engraved before or after I have it powder coated.
Either way I plan to fill the engraving in with white paint so the are easy to read.

Any suggestions, on which way to go and why?

Thanks.

Scott
 
You should be able to do the engraving first and the white lettering after the powder coating. I restored an old military radio that had an engraved aluminum face panel. After putting a few spray coats of paint on the panel I used a soft plastic epoxy squeegee to wipe white silicon tub&tile caulk into the engraved lettering. Worked great.

I used engraved white on black plastic tags when I made a new mahogany instrument panel for the boat. Those are available from many marine parts stores and come engraved with a lot of function labels. I fastened these with small screws after all of the varnishing was done. You could do that or use small machine screws and nuts on an aluminum panel.
 
IMHO. it would depend upon whether the engraving machine uses a powered rotary or "scratch" point. If rotary, it will do a great job AFTER powdercoating, but if "scratch", it will chip the powdercoating, so you should engrave BEFORE.
 
The only problem with trying to engrave before powder coating is that you're going to lose all the detail of the engraving when you hit the panel with powder. You cannot control the mil thickness of powder so that you can maintain the nice crisp edges of the engraving.

You could try the paint and engraving approach as Yzer suggests. That should work.

Another approach would be to purchase some (o guage) white lettering at a hobby store. Paint your panels the base color and make up your labels with the white lettering. You could then topcoat the panels with a clear coat for added durability.

Bob
 
I did a custom panel on my old Wellcraft. After powdercoat, I took it to a local sign company. The guy had lots of good suggestions and we ended up with vinyl decals with all the proper labelling. It held up to the elements just fine and looked great. As an added feature, he made up a really nice 3-D logo that blended well with the anodized gauge bezels. I'll try to find a picture and post it.
 
Arks1,

That may be the route to go. I will check to see, if the company that did my boat letter, can do something that small. I do not see why not.

Scott
 
Another idea I saw yesterday was a 2 layer laminate available at trophy shops like name tags or plates. When the first layer is engraved the second color becomes visible. The trophy shops also do engraving. I the laminate doesn't appear to be thick enough you could back it up with aluminum.
 
quote:
Originally posted by arks1

I'll try to find a picture and post it.
Click to expand...


Here 'ya go!
I used lighted rocker switches and circuit breakers with silicone boots above each switch. The labelling is actually 1 large decal that covers the entire lower section of the panel. The hardest part was cutting the rectangular holes for each switch. I think it turned out great.
boatdash2.jpg
 
Arks1,

I can only hope that mine comes out looking 1/2 as good as that does. It looks like an OEM panel. Great job. When I get mine done I will post pictures.

Right now a friend is machining the aluminum. Beveled edges, hole etc. Then it is off to the powder coat. While it is out, I am going to take the old panel to the sign shop and see what they can do.

Your powder coat is it a smooth surface? Someone recommended to me, to get a rough finish, so it does not show finger prints, but I am worried about the vinyl sticking to it.

Scott
 
Thanks for the compliment, Scott. In my case, the OEM panel was aluminium, so I used it as a basis. I used smooth, high gloss paint and recommend it. Decals stick well and fingerprints easily wipe off. I think it's a personal preferance.
Like most things, planning and preparation is critical to a nice job. MAKE SURE the paint shop does the proper cleaning and etching or it will fail. I ran a powdercoating shop for 5 years and that rule is always gospel!
 
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