Repainting artwork - prep?

[TurboC--]

Using my trusty heat gun, I finally got my Pac cab looking like a Pac cab again.

[DreamArcades]

I can't comment on the primmer (I've never tried without using it). But I do recommend using a sprayer, or a few cans of spray paint will do.

[Gamecab]

If you are worried about the paint chipping you can always put down a coat of Minwax poliurithane (The luster is up to you).  I tried that on my Donkey Kong Jr cabinet and it worked very well.
I really would suggest putting down at least a white primer but make sure it is the same type of paint that you are going to use the final coats with. Do not use and Oil based primer and a Latex finish or vise versa, I made that mistake.  Live and learn I guess.

[TurboC--]

Ah you mean OVER the final job.  Yeah, that could work.  Do you think the cabinet looks better/still authentic with the poly on it?  The reason I want to avoid a primer is, I worked hard to uncover the artwork, and although it is primarily providing a trace, it seems a shame to cover it back up again in another color to repaint it.  Well I guess another important reason is, I'm only repainting the large areas really, the detailed areas which are intact are being left alone.  So the more primer/etc I put on, the more the repainted area will be uneven compared to the original area.  I think I will try light sanding to give the surface grip, then just 1 coat of replacement paint, followed by the poly, and hopefully the poly will protect it.