I believe you strip and sand the cabinet to prepare it for decals.

They look great on ironman

Nothing

Do not underestimate the work going into a decal swap. It's the single most work intense part of restoring a machine!

You need to get the old decals off, smoothen out the cab, filler, smoothen, filler, smoothen, ground coat, smoothen...etc.
Any slightest imperfection will be visible when the decals are applied. It needs to be as even as glass.

It is at least 40 hours work for a newbie.

Don't do it unless the cabinet is totally beat and your a perfectionist. Lots of work and not as easy as it seems. Spend that time playing.

If you don't have any serious nicks in the wood I would recommend airbrush and slightly fogged on clear. In the big picture of the cab those little touch ups will make a huge difference.

Anyone have experience using paint to touch up decals on more modern games? I have a slightly faded WH20 with no dings and the blue behind the graphics on the decal is still rich. Fade is just in logo and Bigfoot character.

I watch those videos TNT Amusements puts up on YouTube and they have a guy who is dedicated to touching up cabinet art. Assuming it would take a high level of artistic skill and patience. but wondered if anyone does it, or is it too risky?

I'd practice on some cheaper games than your expensive WH2O.

In Germany we have a really good airbrush artist who happens to be a pinball enthusiast and goes on tour trough the country every half year or so. Basically he does house calls and touches up cabs in your home for small money.

Germany is smaller than Arizona I guess...but maybe there is someone who does similar stuff in your region?