DIY Front Panel Foils using an inkjet printer and self- adhesive foil.
It is fairly easy to produce professionally looking, permanent
front panel foils (‘decals’) for use on electronic equipment if
you have a PC available along with an inkjet printer (Hewlett-
Packard DeskJet or similar). Plus, of course, matt transparent
sheet of the self-adhesive type as used, for instance, to protect
book covers.
I have used "Transtext", produced by Web International Ltd for many years. It is, however, only suitable for laser printers or photocopiers. The results can be really professional. A good thing with this is that if you apply it to the panel and have misaligned it, you can peel if off and try again.
It produces a rather nice satin finish on aluminium panels.