Kruzman doesn't do touch ups or used PFs.

He should still talk to Ron, touch up of not he’s still an authority on the subject and a great guy. Done me a few solids over the years

The only time I've seen cracking is under areas with ball drops.

Yes, this can happen. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the actual clear itself. Loose inserts, how the playfield is stored, temperature conditions, etc can have negative effects on a clear coated playfield.

Ron’s process is amazing - he does multiple coats over several months, and the clear hardens over that time, and each layer adheres to the next, giving them lateral strength. It’s outstanding and the playfield really does look like glass. He’s the ONLY guy who has the patience for this though. But man, it is every bit what people say.

Make sure you have an understanding of what your guy is going to do as far as touch ups, how the paint will be protected and what clear he uses

Also the paint used can cause the clear not to cure properly or adhere. See recent issues with Mirco playfields (Stern/JJP)

I have an EM, Gottlieb Super Spin that I sprayed many years ago- using a high quality true automotive 2-part clear coat (DuPont high solids urethane). Its as good as the day I sprayed it and easily a thousand plays over 6 years or something. A good quality clear is absolutely not expected to crack. Quality is crucial. The good stuff is over 500 a gallon when mixed. Many people save money on clear coats or use rattle can “clear coat” and you do not get the same performance. My experience- not a pro. I have sprayed over 5 playfields and other projects. Never had an issue. Your Mileage May Vary as the surface prep, mixing, spraying and coat thickness etc all are hugely important. It costs a shit ton to do this right. Its worth it when done right. Plenty of horror stories playing out now to demonstrate that its also not trivial to do this correctly.

I will not use automotive clearcoat or let anybody else on any EM I'm in possesion of.

I'm too much a purist in that regard I guess.

But since it's yours, do whatever suits you.

EM’s should only have a lacquer topcoat.

Just like old cars.

If my game came with Plasticote from the factory, then damn straight that's what I'm going to use.
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I do touch ups ever day... even sunday

here is a link to the one I did last week. about 12-14 hours of paint work, still needs 1 or 2 more plus the clear coat

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/kruzman-monthly-playfield-thread/page/4
(bottom of last page)

sorry to hog your thread

Ah just not when I ask, got it.