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Arcade Collecting => Restorations & repair => Topic started by: ckong on March 21, 2010, 08:06:18 am

Title: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: ckong on March 21, 2010, 08:06:18 am

I recently got a Galaxian cab which still is in pretty good condition:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/ckong65/Galaxian%20restoration/CIMG2809.jpg)

The original side art still is in very good shape and I am not planning to replace it. However, the sides of the cab are pretty dirty, with a lot of stains and some yellowing. I hope that the photo does show this:

(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f307/ckong65/Galaxian%20restoration/CIMG2808.jpg)

I tried some 'house cleaning' stuff to clean the sides, but without much luck. Does someone know of a cleaning fluid which I could use and which will work? It should be available on the internet (I live in Europe).

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: SirPeale on March 21, 2010, 10:36:35 am

In the US we have something called "Magic Eraser" which is melamine foam.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam)

works wonders.

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: SavannahLion on March 21, 2010, 01:09:13 pm

Quote from: SirPeale on March 21, 2010, 10:36:35 am

In the US we have something called "Magic Eraser" which is melamine foam.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine_foam)

works wonders.

Uh... keep in mind that "Magic Eraser" is abrasive and if you use this on a polished surface that's softer than the foam, you'll scratch the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- out of it. If you're not careful you can remove the paint itself depending on how the artwork is applied. If you want to go this route, try it on a small area (like the bottom corner) to see how it affects the paint.

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: WunderCade on March 21, 2010, 01:20:57 pm

I think the sideart on a Galaxian is vinyl, isn't it?

Try TSP first. If that don't work, try the Magic Eraser.

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: RayB on March 21, 2010, 03:44:49 pm

Figure out if it's just nicotine staining first. Use cleansers meant for that and soft sponge/cloth.

Then try the magic eraser. Be careful going over dark areas.

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: ckong on March 21, 2010, 03:52:32 pm

What is TSP?

I don't think that it is nicotine stains, I mean, how would these stains get on the sidepanels (as a non smoker I hate nicotine stains and cigarette burn marks, especially on CPO's). But if they are, what should I use to get rid of nicotine stains?

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: RobbyMac on March 21, 2010, 11:44:14 pm

Even if it's vinyl, its screen printed. I would use caution with a magic eraser over any colored areas (other than the white)

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: SirPeale on March 22, 2010, 07:34:48 am

I used one on mine and it was fine.  Of course, YMMV.  If it starts to take off color, stop!

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: Level42 on March 22, 2010, 05:24:30 pm

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62784.msg630869#msg630869 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62784.msg630869#msg630869)

Title: Re: Cleaning the stained sides of a Galaxian
Post by: ckong on March 23, 2010, 06:50:37 am

Quote from: Level42 on March 22, 2010, 05:24:30 pm

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62784.msg630869#msg630869 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=62784.msg630869#msg630869)

Dasty? Is unfamiliar to me but I will try this first because it's available in a Dutch shop. May I ask where your wife bought it?