flat or semi-gloss black for front/back

[GAtekwriter]

I'm heading out this afternoon to purchase my paint... but I'm just plain stuck.  I cannot make my mind up between flat black and semi-gloss (both in latex) black.  They both look good, but I know I won't really see them in their glory until their on the wood, so to speak.

Any last minute opinions will be welcome... just an FYI - the cabinet will reside in our basement which isn't usually extremely lit, so not sure if that will make a difference in choice.

Thanks, all.

Jim

[unclet]

I went with the black semi-gloss myself and love it.  It gives it a bit of a shine (but just as bit) .... not as much as "gloss" would have given it.  Anyway I thought flat paint would look too plain.  Just my opinion

[TOK]

I'd go with Semi gloss or satin, and also suggest an oil based enamel if you can find it.  Flat looks kind of funky when seen on large areas, and also discolors from finger contact. You'll get shiny or even flakey white spots where people lean on your cab, typically by the control panel. I also don't think there were any flat black "real" arcade games.
Rustoleum Satin Black enamel looks like the real deal when compared to real machines.

[Austin.Wolff]

I'm personally more prone to flat black.

[Kurso]

Are you spray painting or rolling?

[GAtekwriter]

Rolling - foam rollers.  The prime coats went on great and sanded smoothly, so I'm sticking with the foam.

Ended up purchasing the semi-gloss - it'll be in the basement so it occurs to me that there won't be much shine/glare anyway.

Thanks all for the feedback.

Jim

[HoopstarsGarage]

Trust me..!!  No matter if you're using a roller or spraying.. you want to go semi-gloss..


Hoops

[MPTech]

Another vote for the semi-gloss.

Flat paint is not good if it gets touched or handled. Semi-gloss will wipe off better if anything gets spilled on it.

[LeedsFan]

I used black satin on my cab... which I believe is what you guys call semi gloss yes? I was very happy with the results and I applies with a 4" foam roller too. I nice sheen to the panels without being too shiny.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Most of the classic cabs had flat black inside the monitor area, and semigloss everywhere else.
If you've got a severely tilted back monitor, like a Pacman machine, I'd do the inside in flat.

[GAtekwriter]

Good idea, NoOne... I might get a small jar of flat black and do around the monitor and sides - I think you're right that the shine from the monitor might be noticeable there.

Jim

[Jimbo]

I used black satin waterbased varnish on mine, and very pleased with the results   I plan on using the same varnish but in the matt finish for the bits behind the monitor glass (that I want hidden).  I didn't use a roller, but instead used some foam brushes, which helped in the corners and smaller areas without leaving bristle marks.

[Jop]

I went with a satin black using spray paint and am really pleased with how it looks