Re: Suggestions for WP-34s overlay installation Message #8 Posted by Eric Rechlin on 10 June 2011, 10:45 a.m., in response to message #1 by BobVA
Definitely use a tweezers for the key stickers.
When I mount the overlay (I have done this a bunch of times already) I always put on the overlay first, before the keys. It peels right up without removing the keys, so you won't have the problem with worrying about damaging the overlay when pulling up the keys. Also, it makes it so that if you don't align it right you don't damage the key labels with the adhesive from the overlay.
You can easily remove the key stickers from the backing by bending the overlay sheet, which makes them start to peel up on their own, giving you something to grip with the tweezers.
Also, I start applying it in the middle and gradually work my way to the top and bottom. I sometimes stretch it a bit when installing it to make sure it aligns with the keys properly, because if you don't do it just right (which is very hard to do) some of the keys will bind as Bob noted.
I will probably make the holes for the keys slightly larger, at Bob's suggestion.
Right now, other than fitment, my biggest unknown is durability. I've been keeping my 34s loose in my backpack, and I've been playing with it every day, in order to see how durable the overlay is. I have had zero problems with the key labels coming off (at least not with the stronger adhesive I have been using in my latest test prints), but I do worry about the ink wearing off the vinyl. If that is a problem I can spray a clearcoat over it, but that makes it shinier (I prefer the dull appearance of it without the clearcoat) and it is not yet known how much that will help durability.
Thanks to all those who are the first to test this.
Eric
|