I'm restoring an old playfield to its 1985 configuration, minus worn-off paint. I'm putting new mylar on over the touched-up areas, and have learned that some people prefer waxing before they apply mylar.

If that's your method, what's your technique? Do you let the wax dry for days before applying mylar? If you remove the mylar later, does it leave adhesive residue?

Thanks!

Thanks - but I could use more detail.

Do I need to let the wax "cure" for some number of days before applying the mylar?

If I remove the mylar later, will it leave adhesive residue behind?

I guess I have the auto-body shop bias - it's hard to believe an adhesive sheet will stick to a fresh coat of wax.

OK, you've made a useful suggestion; I'll do as you said and add to this thread afterward. Thanks.

If you don't mind my asking, what was your method of getting the mylar down where you wanted it, without any wrinkles?

Well (laugh here, if you want) this machine is #3 in my own school of pinball. I've got one which is clearcoated, one which has only wax and now I thought I'd learn what it's like to apply mylar over playfield touchups. I seem to have gotten myself caught in a bit of a trap re: wax before or not.

The game had mylar in about 6 places, mostly applied after paint had worn away to bare wood. I took off all the mylar, filled divots with powdered marble/acrylic paste, filled dished inserts with something like Mod Podge Hard Coat, and am painting back in the artwork by hand. I'd like the new mylar to adhere well, but many pinsiders seem to prefer the "wax first" method.

I think I have analysis paralysis!

OK, I put on 2 coats of Johnson's paste wax, buffed, then applied mylar about 10" x 5" the shape of Idaho state. It's adhered OK so far, but it'll be weeks before the rest of the playfield is ready for a ball to roll around on.

If you look at the photo, between the girl's head and the triangle insert you can make out a reflection on the edge of the mylar. Second photo is the "before".

For the sake of my education, I'm going to put another section of mylar on without waxing first, to compare.

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