OP

Quoted from Darcy:

Need some input regarding the Replay Button (start button). Looking at improving the look of the front of a few Gottliebs.
I have bought new Buttons from PBR, they are reasonably priced at $3.25. Some of the lower quality pins I have do not need a new button. Have seen some games on Pinside with the button painted bright red, which doesn't look quite right. The red colour is more translucent on the new buttons. What has been applied to the bare metal buttons to make them look this way? Are they anodized?
Could a translucent red paint or dye be applied to the buttons? Take the button out, buff it, clean it, then colour it, could cost more than just getting a new ones.

OP

Quoted from Darcy:

Really good answers, thanks.
Once a new button is installed, those metal flipper buttons with their worn off red colour will not match any more. It is a real slippery slope on replacing old parts for new, on a 40 plus year old game.
Thinking that if a layer of paint is applied, the paint will just rub off, on the sides, as it is pushed into the coin door. A dye or ink goes on much thinner.