Removing paint from cabinet

[gonzojoey]

Maybe I posted this in the wrong section...if so, maybe a Moderator can move it??

I have a Pole Position cabinet that someone painted over the sides with what looks to be some bright blue interior semi-gloss paint (latex based, I think). I'd like to remove it without destroying the side art, so sanding is out. I found this thread while searching (yes, I searched  ) which I think explains what I need to do (use 3M Safe Stripper) http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=13380.0
but my only question is this...Is the original artwork on my Pole Position cabinet latex based?? And secondly, is it truly worth it to "restore" a Pole Position cabinet since it's not exactly a "rare" cabinet...yet?

[leapinlew]

Try a few test spots... Odds are the artwork underneath isn't pristine anyhow. I have yet to see someone successfully save a cabinets side art thats been painted over.

As far as "worth" - that totally depends on you. Some people think I'm crazy for spending what I spend on this hobby while others think it's more than justified.

[shardian]

Pole-Positition is Atari, and early 80's, so it will have vinyl sideart. Atari made kick ass screened vinyl art in the early 80's. Anyways, 3m safest stripper will take the latex paint right off and will not hurt the vinyl art.

As to restoring, the stripper will run you $25, and if the art is in even decent shape, then it will be a good looking cabinet and worth the investment. Look closely at the surface of the paint. If there are chunks of the vinyl missing, you should be able to tell. if everything looks pretty smooth, then odds are the art is in-tact.

[gonzojoey]

I didn't realize there was vinyl under there. That's great news. I'll be stripping it this weekend (hopefully) and I"ll let you know the results.
Thanks!

[gonzojoey]

Well, I finally found a local Mom and Pop hardware store that carries the 3M Safest Strip. I gave it a try last night and it worked...sort of. The instructions said it should take 1 - 3 hours, but it started to dry up in about 30 minutes. I was able to get some paint off and it doesn't look too bad underneath, but I was hoping this stuff would work better than it did.
I'll give it another try next week when I have time. Maybe I wasn't doing something right? The guy at the hardware store suggested I use a sponge type brush to apply. I'll use a regular paint brush next time...and I'll lightly ruff up the paint before applying to see if that helps, too.

[rikitiki]

Patience young grasshopper.
Im doing a Crystal Castles cab same way and only apply about 5 square inches and paint removal at a time. you wont need to leave it on but about 5-10 min before your able to peel away the Black Latex.
 use a plastic putty knife as to not to scratch or gowge the art.
Also wipe clean with water or a wet magic eraser as you go
this help help neutralize than stripper as it will make the orginal vinyl very soft
and melt if left on too long.