Using Panels on the frontpage

I know someone else started a discussion on this, but the question was never answered as they went the theming route. But just how do you use panels on your homepage, because whenever I try to make a new front page using panels it is fine until I try and make it the front page and it reverts to the original front page. I have tried deleting, overriding, disabling the lot and it still reverts.
New to OpenPublish but have been learning Drupal for around 6 months. Basically a handcoder.

Thanks