I’m working on building an FTIR system and am concerned that my touch surface will not stand up to extended wear.  Has anyone implemented any measures to protect their surface?  I have a 3 year old and I would really like her to get a lot of use out of the system, I know she’d love it.

In this thread
http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/2197/P30/
scroll down a few posts and you’ll read about what I did with some vellum.
I had the stuff plastic laminated at a copy shop.
It was cheap and it works great.

Any further thoughts on this topic?  My local Kinko’s claims that the laminating processing will wrinkle/destroy the vellum.  They’re basically refusing to do this via fear-induction

Out table will likely see heavy day-to-day usage, and I don’t relish the idea of repeatedly texturing new vellum as people imprint the paper with their personal touch.

I’ve prepped my vellum using Tinkerman’s textured silicone method on one side and tried using American Accents Clear top coat on the other.  I hung it in my garage and gave it about 5 coats.  It feels crumbly/dusty and rough to the touch.  I’m going to experiment with light sanding in-between coats while I wait, wait, wait for parts.

I know what you find out.  I work with students who often have grubby hands, even when washed, so I’d be interested in any touch-surface that can take a beating from a 3-year-old!