diff --git a/pcbnew/files.cpp b/pcbnew/files.cpp
index b9dd069f63..8d9e3f46e8 100644
--- a/pcbnew/files.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/files.cpp
@@ -643,11 +643,12 @@ bool PCB_EDIT_FRAME::OpenProjectFiles( const std::vector<wxString>& aFileSet, in
     GetBoard()->BuildConnectivity();
     Compile_Ratsnest( true );
 
-    onBoardLoaded();
-
     // Load project settings after setting up board; some of them depend on the nets list
     LoadProjectSettings();
 
+    // Syncs the UI (appearance panel, etc) with the loaded board and project
+    onBoardLoaded();
+
     // Refresh the 3D view, if any
     EDA_3D_VIEWER* draw3DFrame = Get3DViewerFrame();
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_edit_frame.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_edit_frame.cpp
index 5c298c6cc7..fd9d279df0 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_edit_frame.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_edit_frame.cpp
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@
 #include <pcb_draw_panel_gal.h>
 #include <functional>
 #include <project/project_file.h>
+#include <project/project_local_settings.h>
 #include <project/net_settings.h>
 #include <settings/common_settings.h>
 #include <settings/settings_manager.h>
@@ -1021,6 +1022,14 @@ void PCB_EDIT_FRAME::onBoardLoaded()
 
     m_appearancePanel->OnBoardChanged();
 
+    // Apply saved display state to the appearance panel after it has been set up
+    PROJECT_LOCAL_SETTINGS& localSettings = Prj().GetLocalSettings();
+
+    m_appearancePanel->ApplyLayerPreset( localSettings.m_ActiveLayerPreset );
+
+    if( GetBoard()->GetDesignSettings().IsLayerEnabled( localSettings.m_ActiveLayer ) )
+        SetActiveLayer( localSettings.m_ActiveLayer );
+
     // Update the tracks / vias available sizes list:
     ReCreateAuxiliaryToolbar();
 
diff --git a/pcbnew/pcbnew_config.cpp b/pcbnew/pcbnew_config.cpp
index 065e20f53b..a8a8e25018 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcbnew_config.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcbnew_config.cpp
@@ -125,7 +125,6 @@ bool PCB_EDIT_FRAME::LoadProjectSettings()
     }
 
     m_appearancePanel->SetUserLayerPresets( project.m_LayerPresets );
-    m_appearancePanel->ApplyLayerPreset( localSettings.m_ActiveLayerPreset );
 
     SELECTION_FILTER_OPTIONS& filterOpts = GetToolManager()->GetTool<SELECTION_TOOL>()->GetFilter();
 
@@ -141,9 +140,6 @@ bool PCB_EDIT_FRAME::LoadProjectSettings()
     opts.m_ZoneOpacity         = localSettings.m_ZoneOpacity;
     SetDisplayOptions( opts );
 
-    if( GetBoard()->GetDesignSettings().IsLayerEnabled( localSettings.m_ActiveLayer ) )
-        SetActiveLayer( localSettings.m_ActiveLayer );
-
     wxFileName fn( GetCurrentFileName() );
     fn.MakeRelativeTo( Prj().GetProjectPath() );
     LoadWindowState( fn.GetFullPath() );