Front panel making, detailed

A few weeks ago, i've made a picture set of the panel making process, so here are the details.

On the table: one container for the acid, and one for clear water, spray paint, panels, wires, 20% hydrochloric acid, 20% hydrogen peroxide (mix it for 1:1).

Cover the back of the panels with self-adhesive tape, attach wires for handling, and put the panel in the acid. Don't touch and breathe the acid! Wait, and check the results periodically. Warning, this acid gets hot after 30-40 minutes of etching (if you do 2-3 panels in a row), it may need cool down a little bit.


Wash the panel with water, and dry it... The height distance between the untouched surface, and the etched one is about 0.2-0.3 mm. I think its ideal for painting, i don't need to etch it down to 0.4-0.5 like the instructables article suggest it.

The surface is now coarse and dry, ready for paint!

Make at least 2 or 3 layers of paint, othervise it can smear off at the next step. Read the instructions on the spray can. I must wait 10-15 minutes between 2 paintings.

After 24-48 hours of drying (depending on paint), scrub off the excess paint with a rough surfaced sponge. If everything is done correctly this can't damage the paint on the lower surface too much, but takes the laser toner layer off with the spray paint on it.


Drill the panel, then clear the surface, and cover with clear coat. This eliminates the small scratches.

Enjoy your panel, and show it to me! :)