When you come to decorate your cabinet, you have a few choices. I decided to prime my MDF using an acrylic primer and applied it with a small, sponge roller. This gives a nice finish without brush strokes. I usually apply primer to the cut edges several times as this is where the paint can get absorbed quickly and leave a rougher surface. I lightly sand between coats to "de-nib" the surface. This leaves a very good finish.

After priming, I applied a high gloss, black top coat. This leaves a very shiny finish. Two pieces of advice: 1) the gloss is a finger print magnet and everything shows up, 2) it has a tendancy to peal away in areas of heavy use, like around the joystick and buttons. I haven't decided what I would do if I made another cabinet. I might use a satin spray paint rather than gloss. For the joystick area, I might make a shield with some clear perspex. Or I might use a vinyl print. More on that now ...

I wanted some classic arcade artwork. I used a company call Rock Star Print. I told them what I wanted and gave them the dimensions. The artwork was printed on heavy duty vinyl and the end result was brilliant. I put the vinyl on the sides which I had already painted black. If I were to do it again, I'd leave the sides white or a light colour as this would produce more vivid colours on the vinyl.

One thing I haven't used is T molding. This is a moon shaped moulding used to cover the edges of the cabinet. It's made of hard wearing rubber and comes in a variety of colours. You really need to have a router to cut the groove needed to fit the mould. It usually comes in 3/4 inch width but you can find 1/2 inch if you look for it. I would definitely use it if I make another cabinet.