Homebrew PCBs

yes, I've done that too.  But the stuff I pulled off had a nice 
texture (kind of a rough matte - i.e. wasn't glossy) and felt very 
durable.  the clear adhesive stuff doesn't seem all that durable and 
I suspect it yellows over time.

The advantage of the inkjet transparencies is that you can print 
color/diffuser windows for LEDs.  

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> 
wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I've used both inkjet and toner based adhesive "transparencies" 
> (available at all office supply stores) for panel work. Just cover 
> the printed layer with a second clear adhesive sheet, and you're 
good 
> for years of service... 
> 
> Ballendo
> 
> P.S. The toner based transparencies are "clearer", since the inkjet 
> type need "etched" so that the ink has "tooth" to hold to.
> 
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> 
wrote:
> > Recently, I was scavaging a broken terminal concentrator which 
> dates 
> > from the early 90s.  The front panel was made out of a printed, 
> self 
> > adhesive plastic sheet that was laminated onto the metal of the 
> > chassis.  I peeled it off and it looked to be about 10 mils 
thick.  
> I 
> > would bet that the material is printable and it felt a lot like 
the 
> > convering material for membrane switches.  Maybe it is 
available.  
> I 
> > bet it could be directly printed on a laser printer.
> > 
> > Also, the panel I peeled off had a bunch of translucent sections 
> for 
> > LEDs to shine through .  Pretty slick but it was probably a 
custom 
> > job.