Aladdin’s Castle cupping problems

You can remove them and replace; you can remove them and (sometimes, if the cupping isn't too bad) sand them flat and reinstall
You can drip clear into them (not necessarily the stinky stuff) and sand level carefully.

If you do any of the removals you have to repaint in the key lines on them, it's more for a full clear than anything. I've tried heating these up with a heat gun and pressing a dowel in the center to level and it just didn't work - it melted.

In the past I have come across EM titles with cupped inserts and PF is mylared. The solution was to design and install a layered series of clear vinyl discs which adhere to the insert to build up the cupping and preventing the ball parking on the insert. Heres how they work.

PF insert- disc instructions (resized).jpg

If it's water based. The oil based stuff wouldn't be great for PF's IIRC.

There is no doubt that the balls must be cupped gently or damage may occur *snicker*

Try a playing field protector, it will take care of cupped inserts.

If you intend to do a restore, here are tips / tricks:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/vids-guide-to-ultimate-playfield-restoration/page/17#post-1717646

What he said. I bought a huge sheet of that plastic, enough to make 3 protectors, for about $40. Take off the bumper caps and flippers, make your paper pattern, transfer it to the plastic and cut it out. I made one for Night Rider. I actually cleared my Alladins Castle a couple years ago, that games a keeper.

Your best solution was suggested in the first response (post #2). Replace them all. Took me less than 2 hours on my AC and they look great. There are 21 round inserts -- sizes 5/8" thru 1" diameter -- all available from Marco and/or PBR.DSC06853 (resized).JPG

If the inserts had any printing on them I would go for the Mylar disc route, but it looks like they do not. I would replace them or pop them out and sand them flat for playability.

On older players condition machines I am looking for a nice flat playfield and I am always able to reuse the inserts after sanding them flat.