Trident
Stern Electronics, 1979A couple of weeks ago I cleaned my Trident apron with 409. It washed off the blue paint. 
I spent several days sanding and re-finishing the apron and ordered a new decal from E-bay. The decal I received looks like a paper sticker. It’s opaque and will cover all my re-finishing work.
Where do you guys recommend I get a nice looking apron decal?
Thanks
Bob
I saw someone else mentioned in another thread that when they got a apron decal, they just cut out the artwork they wanted and left the solid background behind. But the ease of that would depend upon how complex the apron art is.
Also, try simple green instead of 409. It's a bit gentler on artwork. 409 is basically meant for stove tops, counters, and other hard surfaces.
Thanks, but cutting out the artwork would be way too much work. Especially cutting out the lettering. It wouldn't be so bad if it were on a clear background. But this is printed on white opaque background. I think if I cut it out it would look like a paper sticker.
I washed off the shooter cover with dish soap and the blue started to wash off as well. The red is OK but the blue comes right off. - I think it's ink and not paint.
Bob
Stern_Stars_Apron_Decal_Set.jpgQuoted from oldschoolbob:I washed off the shooter cover with dish soap and the blue started to wash off as well. The red is OK but the blue comes right off. - I think it's ink and not paint.
Dish soap is designed to break stuff down rather aggressively.
Like I mentioned earlier, use simple green instead for cleaning off grime and whatnot--this is basically the general-use cleaner for pinball machines and it can be found at walmart in the auto section. Standard household cleaners aren't really designed with artwork preservation in mind, but for some reason, folks here have discovered it works pretty well.
I also saw in another thread where the OP said they would powdercoat the apron and then have "This Old Pin" re-silkscreen the art. Here is the original post https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/my-first-playfield-swap-it-begins/page/2 , not sure if they screen for that apron, but it's worth a shot.
Just as a suggestion,If you are unhappy with the material quality,i would bring that decal you bought to a local printer ,who can scan it ,and reprint it on better quality material. Since you paid for the artwork,i don't see a problem with having anyone recopy it. Give Joe pingraffix a shout out, he may be able to help you out . I hope this helps
I have used Simple Green before - it's great for cleaning table saw blades - I think I have some in the garage. But I used 409 on my F2K and didn't have a problem.
Re-silk screening would be the way to go if you wanted perfection. But I would think it would be expensive shipping my apron, cutting a new silkscreen, and sending it back.
Thanks Mod, I sent Joe an e-mail. That would be the way to go. He's even looking for artwork now. I'll also try to find a local printer, but the printers around here are stupid expensive when you only need one copy.
Bob
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Collinsville, IL