Freeze spray method:

(As noted below, don't pull the Mylar off so aggressively as the video above)

On newer games with clear coat, freeze spray is definitely the way to go. On older games I find the heat gun method less likely to lift graphics. In either case work slow and don't rush things.

if freeze spray doesn't effect it at all, then you have to go heat gun.

For glue. Rubbing alcohol and magic eraser works the best for me.

Personally, in that first video is an accident waiting to happen. You don't ever want to be aggressively pulling on the Mylar. Do this, and there's a good chance of pulling artwork off inserts.

I take a brand new metal razor blade, the kind you scrape windows with, and lift a small corner of the Mylar. Hold it at a real sharp angle. It's a piece of cake. Now grab that corner with tweezers and spray the portion of Mylar in front of it. Don't get cheap. Spray the shit out of it. As you're spraying, very lightly pull on the Mylar. If you use enough spray, it will literally come right up. If you feel any resistance at all, use more spray.

Again, do NOT pull hard on the Mylar and don't ask me how I know this!!

100% agreed. I just did a quick YT search to provide some examples, but you're right, definitely don't get in a hurry!

I've used Citrus D ...pull very gently and slowly ! The glue was removed with pure alcohol and flour!
Good luck
Patience is the biggest factor. You may wish to scan your playfield or inserts so that you can replacement decals should you lose any!

As far as being safe, it would be rather hard to hurt yourself using any of the above mentioned methods.

But if you are indeed worried then wear clothes that cover your entire body, heavy gloves, and a pair of safety googles.

I would not attempt lifting the Mylar on a Data East, but if you do have success please share.

If you consider Sega same as Data East, I have....It was tougher to get an edge started, but came off quickly once started.

Agree, Mylar removal off my Frankenstein was a snap compared to some others. I can't imagine it being that difficult.

IMMO, the freeze option is the best method. But I hate the odor emanated from these cans. I'm using now a block of dry ice resting for 10 minutes in a partial section, peeling this sector, then moving the dry ice to an adjacent zone. The final result will be same like using the spray can without smelling that horrific odor that you can also taste in your mouth.

De-Solv-It or whatever the US equivalent is. It is a citrus based mild remover of adhesive subtsances.

Get a small edge of the mylar lifted with a fingernail. Spray under the edge and allow a good minute to soak.

Roll the mylar away along the flat surface of the playfield. Don't pull upwards at all. If you are using any kind of force you are doing it wrong.

If it gets stuck just spray some more De-Solv-It on it and allow to soak before starting again.

Spray, roll, spray, roll. That's the ticket.

The only drawback to this method is you are left with a bunch of little glue "snotballs" to clean up on the playfield itself afterwards. A dry paper towel takes care of this though.