I wanted to point out that Aerotronics uses regular paint on the panels and stickers for the lettering.  "Stickers" is probably a bit derogatory, because they are really high quality and you really can't see the edges unless you look closely.  I'm not sure how the stickers would hold up over time.

 

Lancair sends the panels out for powder coating and silk screening, much more expensive, but much more durable.

 

Paint is easier to touch up, but powder coating is tougher.

 

I did mine myself using a base coat, custom made transfer lettering, with a clear coat over the top.  Very tough for a "homegrown" system.  I added a flattening agent to the clear coat to get an eggshell finish.  You definitely don't want a glossy panel.

Mike, Et Al,

 

Panel implementation is interesting because it must be used in real life to help functionally fly the airplane, monitor systems and not distract the pilot from occasionally looking outside the cockpit - day or night.

 

Some notes:

 

1. Another possibility is to find someone with quality graphics equipment (computer, cutting plotter/printer, etc) who can make terrific indestructible cut-out label strips with holes for switches etc.  I have used such with clear/white lettering to let the panel color come thru and black/white lettering for control knobs and certain switches.  Application is simple and the labels can be moved later - I have moved the emergency gear extension placard 3 times.  They are very durable.  They are easy to add as new switches are added.  I must have added 6 or 7 since first flying.

 

2. If your panel consists of prehistoric steam gauges with glass faces, a shiny panel finish will not increase the glare.  If modern dulled flat panel displays are mainly used, having a matte finish on the panel is a benefit.  Labeling material with a flat finish is available.

 

3.  LNC2 and LEG2 canopies were designed to maximize nighttime reflections of any illuminated object (including bald pates, should you have one) and the dark colored  "dust cover" extension over the panel is crucial for providing the narrow forward see-thru band one needs at night.  Drawing the Koger sunshade at night helps to block some overhead distractions.  The dust cover should be experimented with in a darkened hangar with lighting in the cockpit to see the reflective affect on the canopy. 

 

4. The color choice for panels containing black faced steam gauges requires consideration.  Black is not good because it requires mental work to locate the instrument data in a sea of black.  I found this in an experiment where I removed the Royalite covers from the black underpanel on a Skymaster.  The instrument flight visual workload was increased trying to pick out individual instrument data.  White is not too great because of the excessive reflective quality at night.  A darkish color that provides some contrast with the individual instruments seems best.  I have no experience with modern flat panel displays except that I have no trouble finding and using the Garmin 430 display, day or night.

 

5. Labels should be generic.  For example, "GPS" rather than "UPS GPS", "A/P" rather than "S-Tec AP" so that equipment changes, like Garmin for UPS or Tru-Trak for S-Tec don't require re-labeling.  "On" and "Off" are good generic terms to include around a labeled switch.

 

6. Even though everything has been thought of for the panel, those with removable sections best allow for future changes.  My fixed fiberglass panel seems to be the item that resists moving to a Tru-Trak AP (with the little plane in the window), since one 2.25" instrument could replace the 3.125" TC, DG, Computer and a few switches like GPSS.  Ugh, what would I do with the three gaping holes across the bottom of my panel?