Guys,

I made a PET-G protector for my Gottlieb ASM and it's been less than a month before white crap started collecting underneath. I will admit, this was my first custom protector, and it isn't perfect in any way. Playfield Protectors provided one for my Data East TMNT and I absolutely love it! That one has been on for almost a year, and I have not noticed dust or any other particles collecting underneath.

Back to ASM: I made sure to vacuum, remove plastics/posts/rubbers, clean playfield with naptha and microfiber x 2, vacuum again, place protector with top protective film intact, attach cleaned posts and plastics along with new rubber rings, vacuum again, and peeled top protective film, then vacuumed again. Ugh, the white particles didn't start showing up until this past week after a few games played. My question: Do new rubber rings shed white particles as a norm? I figured new white rings would prevent this issue from occurring. Maybe somehow old bits of paint and wax are loosening and getting stuck underneath? To me, it looks like rubber ring dust, but I could be wrong. It could also be pieces of PET-G loosened from the cut edges...that makes more sense. Maybe I'll do a better job grinding down the cut edges to remove any loose pieces.

I appreciate your feedback, keeping in mind that I want to continue using these protectors since they are an easy and cheap way to get that clear coat shine, while smoothing out those depressed areas.

My current plan is to wait a few more months, monitor to condition of this protector, then maybe make a newer/better one while cleaning the playfield and plastics/rings again.

Thanks!

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Thanks cottonm4! It figures small bits of shavings break off with ease during gameplay. I didn't do a good enough job sanding all cut edges. I appreciate the feedback.

Good advice, cottonm4. I used hole punches for those locations near posts. Now I'm debating whether I should make a new protector or just clean up this "old" one.

Thanks again, cottonm4.

One last question: Would using a dremel with sanding drum (coarse, then fine grit) work for this job? I would plan on being extremely careful not to scratch the protector surface, and I would likely keep it at lower rpm. Last night I was sanding and filing by hand, and it was pretty labor intensive. I practiced using the dremel sanding drum on scrap and it seems to work...just wondering what you thought.

Ok, Gottlieb ASM update:

I think I've narrowed down the cause of all that debris flying around and getting under the playfield protector. It was easy to see after I removed the protector, sanded all edges smooth, then played on the cleaned protector. I immediately saw pieces bouncing from the bottom bumper areas. Some white crap, maybe old wax that's stuck on the plastic posts or metal screws/fasteners, is likely breaking off and polluting the playfield. The problem becomes worse when lifting the playfield up to replace insert bulbs, or any other kind of maintenance under playfield. Having the playfield elevated obviously allows gravity to spread those particles throughout. I'm going to keep an eye on this to make sure that's the source. Otherwise, I may need to order all new posts, along with cleaning the metal screws.

That reminds me. Does anyone have an alternative method for supporting the playfield other than vertically against the backbox? My tmnt allows a more level position where you slide it partially out and sit two metal brackets on the apron area, I think. Thay way, I'm not having to grab a stool everytime I need access to the flippers, or other areas at the front of playfield.

Thanks!

Thanks cottonm4! Yeah, maybe I'm missing those supports for the 45 degree option? Since I'm away from my pin, I've attached an older picture from my usb that might answer that question. Ignore the old orange filter cap. It was replaced.

I'll be making a trip to home depot this weekend. Excellent feedback!

Here's a pic that I zoomed in on this morning. This is the kind of stuff I missed, even after vacuuming. Now I'm wondering if this concealed area needs to be waxed due to all the dry flakey paint. Another project for another day.

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I think my playfield protector will appreciate all this cleaning. Now I just need to wait for the tumbler to do it's job. I'm thinking 24 hours of tumbling should remove all that crap on my screws, washers, and nuts.

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After all the cleaning, playfield and protector finally staying clean. Thanks to everyone who helped!

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Mathazar, I used crushed walnut from the pet store. Also, I squirted novus 2 into the media because I didn't have flitz in my house. I tumbled in the 5 lb harbor freight tumbler for 16 hours and that's all I needed.

I kept it in the garage since it's a little loud.

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Too good to be true. Maybe it is the playfield protector that keeps shedding all that dust and debris. This is going to drive me insane. I'll give sanding another shot.

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Good advice, cottonm4. I'll let it shed naturally, and vacuum as needed. Breaking it in might be my best option.

Hey Guys! Just installed another protector on my new HUO Deadpool Pro. After a few days, I get wet-looking spots underneath lower end of playfield. I contacted playfield protectors and they said it is due to the new paint. Their recommendation is to use compressed air, or hair dryer on low heat setting, underneath protector to remove spots. I'll give it a try this week and see if it makes a difference. I'm a little skeptical of the solution.

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