Unfortunately, I don't fit into that category

It's been my experience that you never know if that is true until you try. You may actually surprise yourself with what you can do. I don't consider myself to be extremely talented in that regard either, but I can follow directions well and I think that's what's most important.

So, how good are you?

Electronically, pretty good with a lot of experience in troubleshooting. I do all of my own circuit board repairs (which is one of my main reasons for the hobby). Playfield restoration, so-so. I'm getting ready to attempt my first clear-coat (Gorgar). Backglass, so-so. I've done a few touchups that look great and one recently that didn't turn out so good (Star Trek).

I'm working on several projects now (off and on with school and other things). I'm in no hurry to complete any of them. I'll share as I go.

G

Well, I have touched up a couple playfields now, and I think 2 things are key. #1 is getting a really good close up picture of what the area should look like that you're painting....... and #2 is color matching. Maybe that should be #1. If the colors aren't an exact match, it'll stand out and you want it to fade in to oblivion. That's my bestest tips so far.

I've done some playfield restoration. I'm graphic artist and screen printer by trade. I've gone as far as screen print directly onto the playfield to duplicate detailed lacework. But this is what I do everyday except is on other products.

#1 is color matching. A perfect restoration starts and ends with color matching. It must be perfect or even the best work is wasted. I do color matching everyday by trade and it takes years to master if you want to do it quickly. I use 2 part epoxy based inks for my trade so I use these on my restorations. These are very expensive inks some as much as $300.00 a quart or more but they are extremely durable and do not need to be covered with a clear coat or mylar to protect it, even in high wear areas. And they mix really good for getting the right shades of color. Unfortunately due to the cost this is not feasible for the average person to use.

Sometimes it's easier to recolor a whole area rather than try to match just a spot of it. I reccomend this when you can.

Also very important! The inks I use don't change color when they dry but some of the other paints in craft stores do...This makes color matching a tedious task because you have to wait for your color to dry before you know if it's correct.

One more thing....Take your time. Rushing a restoration is asking for trouble.

In case you were wondering...They are Enthone epoxy screen inks.

i agree with these guys give it a shot. i started restoring a bally playboy about a month ago started with playfield touchups and even complete redraws of certain parts. i am no artist at all but i am doing well. keep in mind if its a machine you plan to keep then its worth a shot. the work you do to it if you take your time will look alot better than it is in its current state. goodluck

The only advice I can give is that Paint Thinner, and Paint Retarders are your friends, learn to love them. 10 super thin coats look way better than one fat blobby coat. Also invest in good brushes if you are using a brush.

good brushes are so expensive