Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: crashwg on June 07, 2004, 11:16:18 pm
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I can't say I've ever seen this talked about on the boards before, and the search feature has just froze again on me, so I guess I'll have to ask.
Should I paint a Galaga semi or gloss? How are the real ones done up? Do they have laminate?
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I went with a semigloss and it looks quite nice. In fact quite a few people have come over and thought I bought the cabinet and did not make it by hand - even though I painted it with a brush.
The nice thing about a semi-gloss is that it is pretty easy to clean without being overly glossy.
There are some picts on the site below, but the flash really over-emphasizes the gloss. In reality the finish is clean but not too glossy, and the brush lines are not as apparent as they are in the photos.
I can't speak for the real cabinet finish - never looked that closely at it.
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Semi-gloss is the way to go. It hides any slight imperfections in the surface that gloss would show up.
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If you use gloss, every time you touch the cab you will leave fingerprints that WILL show up.
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I've heard that Rustoleum semi-gloss black enamel is amost a perfect match for original Galaga cabs, and people have used that for touch-up with good results. Definitely use an enamel paint, not latex. You will get a much better finish.
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- No latex
- SAND, PRIME and re-sand first!
- Build up a solid base color with FLAT or ULTRA FLAT black
- Spray 1 or at most 2 final coats with a Semi or full Gloss
(Building up a base with flat ensures you wont get runs by over spraying the glossy stuff that makes runs all too easily)
I actually avoid full gloss on everything. I use Semi-Gloss on all metal control panels/coin doors/marquee holders. I use SEMI-FLAT (rustoleum) on wood that is touched. Just a *hint* of sheen and more cleanable than the chalkboard-like coating of flat or ultra-flat. I use ultra-flat (rustoleum) to spray the plywood surrounding a monitor/etc.. to prevent any side reflection of picture behind plexiglass, and just plain flat (other cheap brands) as the base for all other painting.
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I've heard that Rustoleum semi-gloss black enamel is amost a perfect match for original Galaga cabs, and people have used that for touch-up with good results. Definitely use an enamel paint, not latex. You will get a much better finish.
I used the rustoleum type stuff for outdoor anti rust use or something. It seems thicker than normal paint. Very happy with it. I would reccommend it. It was semi-gloss I believe.
I only had time to put on one coat over the primer, but it turned out fantastic.
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Would any of you recommend painting by roller instead of spray?
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I have sprayed the insides (work area) of cabs where there was a lot of black to lighten it up for working in medium/low light conditions. Since it's inside where it's generally seen by no one but myself might as well make life a little bit easier. Of course I use the cheap stuff for this.
Outside it's semi-gloss all the way unless it's an oddball (i.e. texture'd or something).