Repainting Arcade Cabinet

[Levelbest]

I am restoring a Tron cabinet and have bought all the appropriate
graphics and overlays. Once I get all the artwork off, I plan to
repaint the cabinet. A few questions.

The orignal color is black. What kind of paint (brand, type etc.) will
best replicate the original look>? Gloss is too shiny. I have seen
semi gloss and semi flat... not sure which to go with.

Also, picked up a Wagner Power Painter Home to do the painting. Hoping
that will do the job.

If you have experience doing this sort of thing, I'd love to hear from
you.

Thanks!
JOHN

[prOk]

before you open that power painter, take it back. It won't work, a roller
will be better.

You are on the right track though, spraying is superior but do it with air
compressors and guns. Powerpainters just spit paint.

For tron, I tend to use a couple nice heavy coats of Rust Oleum Satin black.
it dries semi-shiny.. then you can finish it off with a semi gloss
polyurethane to get a really nice match to the original finish.

Good Luck!
/b

http://www.tutankham.com

"Levelbest" <jo...@mousehut.com> wrote in message
news:1114394783....@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[Levelbest]

Oh crap. Really on the power painter? Of course I have opened it
already. Can anyone suggest a better (and reasonable) painter to use
if this really wont work?

[John Hacker]

Do not use that power painter and I say that from experience. Use a roller
if you can't get a professional sprayer.

"Levelbest" <jo...@mousehut.com> wrote in message
news:1114394783....@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[Levelbest]

what do better pro sprayers run? best brands?

[John Hacker]

I have never looked into it. It's a long shot but you might want to find
painters in your phone book and ask them how much to paint it. I use a high
quailty smooth finish roller and my cabs always look great.........

"Levelbest" <jo...@mousehut.com> wrote in message

news:1114396529....@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...

[docfr...@hotmail.com]

i uesd a roller to paint my galaga cab, and get a high quality roller
too dont buy the cheap roller to paint with.

but it was not super smooth so i lightly sanded it with some very very
fine sand paper and then repainted it with a 3" brush and it turned out
great.

and before i painted it with rust oleum satin black, I sanded it to
the plywood so the wood was super smooth and then primed it with killz
oil (oil cause the rustoloum is enamel oil based paint).

and waited 2 days to dry and then i applied the side and kick plate
art.

frank

[keith corcoran]

i always end up with some sort of little crap on it.. never the smooth,
laminate type finish i hope for.

i always thought of sanding in between coats but you can't really sand latex
right?

and those foam rollers.. i kept getting little air bubbles so i went back to
the regular roller,.. quite frustrated.

i did spray paint a cabinet once.. gloss black.. it was a little bartop I
had built.. i learned 2 things.. it comes out great for small projects.. and
black paint will stay in your nose for at least 2 days.

k.

"John Hacker" <T...@wi.rr.com> wrote in message
news:aNYae.34649$PA4....@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...

[prOk]

Get a standard duty gun at your local home improvement store.. they work
fine.

I put together this page long ago, but it should still help you a bit:
http://www.tutankham.com/painting.htm

/b

"Levelbest" <jo...@mousehut.com> wrote in message

news:1114396529....@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

I painted my TRON with the rustoleum satin and a smooth roller to get
the super smooth finish. Check it out!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/TRON.jpg

Ben

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

I forgot, I also wet sanded the cab after painting with 800 grit. Works
great.

[Chumblespuzz]

Use Rustoleum 7777 Satin Black spray paint. Lay the cabinet down flat and
put on several heavy coats. It'll come out perfect and toy don't need to buy
a spray gun.

-r-

"prOk" <bso...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:YjYae.10894$716....@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...

[ajcrm125]

I'm confused... are ou guys using spray enamel or latex paints? I
thought rustoleus was spray but if so then why would you use a roller?

[Levelbest]

Rustoleum comes in spray cans and also normal paint cans.

[Levelbest]

I wanted to see if anyone else has tried this technique and what their
experience was. Sounds like it could work. Tried to contact the
poster here (he replied once) but can't get hold of him anymore.

I was told to apply primer, then between 5 and 10 coats of oil based
paint (rustoleum 7777) with a contractor grade foam roller (superfine)
and finally to wetsand the cabinet with 800 to 1200 grit paper.

I'm not super clear on the wetsanding, but my guess is that before you
do any sanding you need to build up a number of layers of paint. Will
the wetsanding remove any air bubbles left by the foam roller?

It sucks being new at this, and I don't want to mess up my cabinet with
a bad paint job. I've spent too much money on it to this point!

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

Levelbest wrote:
> Rustoleum comes in spray cans and also normal paint cans.

Levelbest,

Wet sanding will remove all impurities including air bubbles, dust
nibs, overspray etc. Put on heavy coats, let it dry and then start a
sand'in away. start with 800 grit then go to 1200. you can only get 800
and up at an auto parts house, like checker auto.

[Levelbest]

Hey B:

Thanks for getting back to me. I guess my email isn't making it thru
the filters.

I found the 800 and 1200 finally online at amazon. I think they source
thru an auto parts store. Highest Home Depot had was 600 grit and they
looked at me funny when i started asking for 800 or 1200 grit (why
would you need that?).

Enjoy the tron artwork you won. I shipped it out today. Small World
isn't it!

[Zinfer]

I know for starters that Brian has been telling anyone and everyone to
spray their cabinet till he's blue in the face. I followed his advice
and the cabinets have always turned out great. Although I haven't yet
used an oil based paint, I've stuck with a water based Latex. Now on
the back side of the cabinet's I'll use a roller as appearance isn't
as crucial. If you need a really smooth surface you really should
spray if you have a compressor and the option is open to you.

Kineplex Systems of Lima, Ohio
http://www.kineplex.com

[Levelbest]

Yeah, given the option, I probably would spray, but I don't currently
have a compressor or sprayer and don't have a real workshop (per se)
that I can afford to get spray paint all over. Working out of my
garage which has a ton of other stuff in it (bikes, workbench,
cabinets, christmas lights, lawnmower etc etc) and I fear if I did do
the spray route, the whole place would be an ungodly mess! Maybe I am
wrong. If I could, I'd probably take it to a body shop and have them
do it, but the thought of getting tron back into the minivan doesn't
sound appealing... nor does what they would probably charge me. Ben
has me pretty convinced that the roller route with wet sanding could
look darn good.

Where have you all done your spray jobs?

Also, it's tough to justify the cost since I am just doing one cabinet
(cough, cough... I am sure you have heard that one before).

[Zinfer]

If it's an entire cabinet, I'll normally wheel it outside on a good
dry windless day. If it's parts, I'll take a couple saw horses out
into the yard and paint them individually outside. Sure the grass is
a wierd color for a few weeks, but then it gets mowed. But your
right, it will get on everything if you paint indoors. I've found my
compressor invaluable as I can use it for painting as well as a staple
gun to replace wood parts like old beaten up front panels or dragon
lair marquees that had gotten sawed off. I actually think I've used
it more for panel replacement than painting. But I've also used it
for sandblasting metal parts as well. It comes in handy for just
about any project.
There is one project I think I would use a roller on, a Berzerk
project where the exterior is purposely bubbled/crinkled.

Kineplex Systems of Lima, Ohio
http://www.kineplex.com

[Levelbest]

Other problem is, the pollen is terrible right now. I'd probably have
to wait 3 more months before I could wheel it out without getting
yellow dust all over it. My cars are a mess right now! Can't keep em
clean. I have on the other hand been seriously cosidering getting a
staple gun. Attaching molding etc would definately go easier. Such
as the kickplate. On my tron, I think the original started coming
off... which the owners put screws thru... then later 10 penny nails to
hold it in place! The nails must have been 3-4 inches long!

[Zinfer]

Yes the Tron molding definitely was secured originally with staples.
As for pollen. Don't know, never ran into that problem before. With
my Stargate project I wasn't real concerned about it being super
smooth so I used a 3/16" pile roller. For Asteroids I ended up using
spray, but later found that it looks like the Asteroids sideart covers
the entire side so I'm a little divided if that was a waste of time.
For a Tron, man that is like super smooth. I don't think rolling will
work at all for the look of originality. It'll end up looking funny
IMHO.

Kineplex Systems of Lima, Ohio
http://www.kineplex.com

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

What do I have to do to convince everyone that wet sanding after
rolling on paint will produce an orginal appearance if not better.

[prOk]

I'd love to see close up pictures at an angle of the finish..

Personally, water is the last thing I want near my cabs after they are
painted but I'm willing to try anything. My methods are pretty well
documented and quite a few people have tried them, i'd love to see photos of
your method as well. I've tried a good many things to paint cabs, but
nothing has ever come *close* to what a good spray gun can do so far. Of
course, everyones idea of what is acceptable is different.

/b

http://www.tutankham.com

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115763510....@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

hows this people:

now lets see whose smoother!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/26eb8288.jpg

If any one needs more photos, let me know

Ben

[prOk]

not the best photo in the world, but based on gloss alone (can't tell
texture from the pic :( I'd still say spraying is better.

/b

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115768658.3...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

OK here's some better pics including some satan's hollow that was done
since black is not the easiest to capture close up! believe me or not,
up to You.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture020.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture018.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture017.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture016.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture009.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/bboldt3/Pacman%20Cabaret/Picture010.jpg

Ben

[Levelbest]

Thanks for the photos Ben.... it does look pretty darn smooth.

As far as wet sanding something with 5-10 coats of paint on there, I
can't imagine doing any damage at all, unless you do something silly
like let the water sit on there for an extended period of time. My dad
when refinishing wood desks used to wet sand all the time and it always
came out like glass. I would imagine Ben isn't steering us wrong and
it's a viable alternative to spraying (esp. for those of us who simply
can't do the spray job!).

[Keith in NJ]

probably make more hours in the day to actually spend the time wetsanding.

plus.. wouldn't wet sanding produce the same result.. if not worse then
using water, etc to apply side art stickers.

especially considering you need much more water to wet sand then position
adhesive vinyl. i bring that up because the overwhelming majority opposed
using water due to potential wood damage.

just a thought from experience spending DAYS wet sanding my mustang.

k.

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115763510....@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[Zinfer]

It looks like the decal was applied great.

Kineplex Systems of Lima, Ohio
http://www.kineplex.com

[Steve Muccione]

I can't possibly see how the amount of surface water needed to wet sand can
possibly damage the cabinet... It takes days of exposure to really do
damage to plywood (shorter for mdf).

"Keith in NJ" <win...@soulshot.com> wrote in message
news:xfWdnaLdOcW...@comcast.com...

[Levelbest]

Maybe Ben can share how much time it took to actually wet sand both
sides of the cabinet... but if you are going to get a super clean,
super smooth surface, wont it be worth it in the long run if you plan
on keeping the game anyway?

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

I worked on the game for 2 months on and off. I would say 7-10 hours
for wet sanding for the whole cabinet.

[win...@soulshot.com]

i'm just saying. mdf / presswood is like a sponge if you arent carefull
and the water runs over the edge i'd be worried about swelling the
tmolding area.

i know it's not going to seep through the paint...i probably wasn't
clear on that.

[prOk]

People can do what they want :) I am extremely particular, so what I see
in those pics just wouldn't do for me personally. Especially on the satan's
hollow, I see too much paint on the machine red areas (looks almost like a
laminate has been applied) , paint on the tmolding, gloppy paint in the
white, smudges from the red to the yellow.. I can mask off and spray an
entire cabinet in about an hour. Painting 5 coats or more like you mention
and the wait times in between etc plus hours and hours of sanding?? no
thanks. The investment in a 200.00 sprayer/compressor kit is worth way more
than spending 7 hours just sanding a cabinet when I can get a higher quality
finish in 1 without waiting days in between.

Everyone does what they can with what they have, but given the choice i'd
spray it.

/b

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115770399.2...@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

Hey prOk,

Can you please post a picture of one of your cabinets close up? I would
like to see what yours look like.

[Jerry]

Brian,
You mentioned using a standard gun, have you tried or do you have any
thoughts on using an HVLP? I'm going to pick up a gun and want to get
whatever works out best, I've seen the HVLP mentioned a few times.
Jerry

[Zinfer]

Just go to his site at www.tutankham.com. Brian has never
disappointed with helpful advice.

Kineplex Systems of Lima, Ohio
http://www.kineplex.com

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

His games do look great!

[prOk]

I have an hvlp gun that I use for specific purposes, such as spraying
Lacquers. For general paint use, a standard duty gun will work fine.. An
HVLP will reduce overspray significantly but also comes with a greater
learning curve to avoid feathering and other paint flaws. HVLP guns are
also generally in the 200.00 range, while the standard gun is around 50.00.
I see the standard guns as pretty much disposable, while the HVLP is an
investment.

Also keep in mind, HVLP guns require a much larger compressor. You can get
away with a 5 gallon pancake with a standard duty, while an hvlp will want
at least 10-15 gallon.

/brian

"Jerry" <jpl...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1115840828....@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

[prOk]

Here's a pic of the side of a DK Junior:
http://www.tutankham.com/images/dkjrshine.jpg

You can make out my old Mouse Trap in the reflection in the paint :)

/b

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115840175.8...@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

I guess we all have our own ways. Your collection is nice. Did you do
anything with the orange peel on the DKJr? I appears to be wavy.

[prOk]

heh.. that was about as predictable of a statement as there ever has been.
Of course there's no 'wave' in the paint as the surface is wood, it's not
level as glass to start with and never will be.. thats kinda common sense..
but of course, your only real point was to take a dig at anything you could.

Tis ok, never meant to insult you. You do what you want and i'll move on
from the topic. Everyone can make their own choices what they want to do.

/b

<bbo...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1115855452....@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...

[bbo...@hotmail.com]

Not true on the dig. Spraying makes alot of sense since that is how
most cabinets were originally manufacured. I'm done too. Good luck with
your TRON restoration. FYI: ANY paint will orange peel, when sprayed.
Even rolls royces, when manufactured, do. new technology for the most
part in painting equipment eliminates the waves. they just wet sand
them to get rid of it. :-)

Ben

[Keith in NJ]

and what type of paint are you spraying in these? enamel?

wonder what the local body shop would charge to spray a cabinet. i think
i'll ask this weekend out of curiosity. i'm getting a compressor anyway
because i'm goign to need one when we start doing the crown molding in my
house.

what a great excuse. :)
honey you want that new crown molding right? welllllll....

k.

"prOk" <bso...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:jpwge.20986$IO.1...@tornado.tampabay.rr.com...

[Levelbest]

I called the guys that did work on a 1991 Dodge Stealth of mine.
Without them actually seeing it, they guessed around $250... which is
kind of what I had figured.