Neo Geo / SNK Logo painting?

[wayerst]

Hello retrofans!

I've almost finished my cabinet. After languishing in the 'playable but incomplete' stage for almost 6 months I finally filled/sanded/painted it, and added some smoked plexiglass.

However - I didn't want to mess around with a lighted marquee, so it's solid wood (painted glossy red), as are the sides and front (below the control panel)

Since the majority of my games are SNK ones (Magical Drop, KOF, Metal Slug, etc.) - I figure that having the NEO GEO SYSTEM and SNK logos on the side and marquee of my arcade in white would look pretty  !

Here's a picture of what I'm looking for (but a bigger font and not a decal)
http://www.hardmvs.com/xml/conv/menu/dynamo.jpg

But I'm not sure how to go about it. I don't want to use printed vinyl decals, especially since it's just a regular font typeface. I was going to stencil it on, but the O's in NEO GEO will need to be stuck on separately, and I'm worried that they'll go off centre and I'll have to end up repainting the whole of the side of the cab if I mess up.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks guys!

[AlanS17]

You could try printing it out to the size you want and then trace it onto the surface you want to put it on. Then you could fill in your trace.

[Stingray]

I had mine cut out of white vinyl at a sign shop. Looks great IMO.



-S

[AlanS17]

I used to work for the highway department. They cut all their own lettering. It was actually pretty darn nice. I have absolutely no idea how much it costs, though. I would imagine it costs less than printing, though. The thing looks alot like an ink plotter, but instead of tracing with a pen, it traces with a knife. Very cool stuff.

[wayerst]

I had mine cut out of white vinyl at a sign shop. Looks great IMO.



-S

How much did that cost, buddy?

[Stingray]

Actually it didn't cost anything. My mother-in-law works at the sign shop where I had it done.

-S

[Baker535]

Unless you have awesome x-acto skills I wouldn't recommend creating your own stencil even though it will get you closer to that original silk screened feel. That Neo Geo font is very thin and has some nice subtle curves, it will be harder than you think to cut it out of a good quality cardstock if you want it accurate. The SNK would be way easier though.

Alan's got a good idea cooking with tracing, still it will be second generation linework by the time you implement it. You will need some good steady hands for that also.

Stingray's method is probably the best and easiest. Actually, you might be able to have them use a plotter/cutter with paper or cardstock. See if they can run it through the machine instead of vinyl. It will knock out the lettering and create a stencil for you. Just like the highway department stencils Alan mentioned (beat me to it).

If you don't have a sign shop close by try also the automotive places that cut vinyl for all the ricer enthusiasts... while you're at it... get some crazy Asian characters that you have no clue the meaning of, to put all over it. Make sure they are GAUDY or it just won't look right.

Also this shouldn't cost much at all, just get a couple of quotes first from various places to start. Most printers and sign shops are VERY competitive, if it's still high, try naming a price after you figure out what the market charges. Let them know that a competitor is charging X dollars and if they can beat it. It's not like buying a standardized service or product so most small shops should be willing to work with you. Save Kinko's or Fast Signs as a last ditch effort, they are selling time and convenience on top of their charges for the stuff they produce.

-baker

[Flinkly]

dang, i feel like i'm copying someone now...

i dind't even know this thread existed till i searched for some marguees.  i built myself a replica neo geo machine but scaled it up to accomodate adults.  i'm still going to try to stencil mine, but would be very interested in the files for the lettering and the original sizes and placement.  thanks guys.

[Stingray]

I think the files might be available at the arcade art library. I may still have the .ai files I made my decals from. Feel free to PM me if you want me to dig them up for you.

-S