being a skinflint, I recycle a lot of stuff for use in audio, test equipment and ham gear -- I just experimented with this method for a professional looking front panel:
Design the panel to dimension using MicroSoft Word, MSPaint etc. Print onto an AVERY Weatherproof label (these appear to be made of Tyvek which is very durable), carefully mount on your project front panel and spray with a couple coats of clear laquer. Lettrasetts will also give nice looking letters, but this is time consuming.
I am going to assume that you have already drilled the holes, though -- these can be punched through with a hot soldering pencil since the Tyvek melts easily.
Design the panel to dimension using MicroSoft Word, MSPaint etc. Print onto an AVERY Weatherproof label (these appear to be made of Tyvek which is very durable), carefully mount on your project front panel and spray with a couple coats of clear laquer. Lettrasetts will also give nice looking letters, but this is time consuming.
I am going to assume that you have already drilled the holes, though -- these can be punched through with a hot soldering pencil since the Tyvek melts easily.