The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: pinballist on July 30, 2009, 02:03:57 PM
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I'm looking at cleaning that Spin A Card playfiled so I went to Bunnings today to find some Shellite but they didn't stock it (I did find the Isopropyl though).
I did some Google research on it and found that it's actually similar to unleded petrol. Is this stuff safe for cleaning old playfields, what do most of you guys use, is there an alternative and if not where did you buy it?
Thanks,
Ev
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I use shellite, and like that it evaporates really quick. Its lighter fluid really.
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Hi Evro
My research reveals that Shellite has the same chemical formula as "naptha" which our American friends use liberally.
I've found that it's especially good for getting rid of the goo left after removing p/f Mylar etc.
Bunnys in WA do stock it. I've been using it effectively for ages and it works well even to clean cab decal dirt.
So far absolutely no damage caused.
Hope this helps.
Max
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Thanks guys ^^^
Just wondering, where do you Sydney blokes buy it from?
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they have it bunnings in Mascot - i guess it probably depends where you look
The bigger bunnings should stock it but perhaps the smaller ones might not
on an aside, do you just use on a rag or do you use it with magic eraser?
What is it good for an what should you avoid using it on?
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Hi Evro
I started using Shellite to clean my score reels and found it began to remove the black numbers,same the artwork on aprons. ^&^ So I switched to PREPSOL which cleans just as good and does not do any damage.
Shellite is available at Bunnings, Prepsol I got from Supa cheap autos.
Kev
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Hmm... Prepsol huh... we've got a Supa Cheap Auto down the road, I might pop in there this arvo and have a sticky beak.
I bought a batch of 50 Magic Eraser pads from China on eBay last month; so far they've proven to be great at cleaning mold & mildew from the shower recess which the wife is quite pleased about - mainly because I'm the one doing the cleaning ;) though I'm yet to try them on a PF.
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Shellite = Naptha ^^^
I've been using it for years after finding out it was "one and the same".
Never had a problem with it.
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Just got back from there and the guy behind the counter said they didn't have Shellit or Prepsol but recommended Septone wax, tar & adhesive removal from plastic & car duco finishes, so I bought it and will try it out tonite.
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Same stuff as prepsol probably, different name,same solvent.
Let us know how it goes.
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Shellite = Naptha ^^^
naptha /shellite is great for getting wax off of Diamond plated /stealth coat/ hard coated playfields
but have never tried it on older playfields
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Shellite = Naptha ^^^
naptha /shellite is great for getting wax off of Diamond plated /stealth coat/ hard coated playfields
but have never tried it on older playfields
Oldest machine I've used Shellite on would be Pro Football. Used on Ballys, Sterns - just about anything after 1974 !
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thats cool Greg because I have only ever used it on old PFs........now I know its ok to use on wms/bally PFs
%$%
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I've done a couple of test patches and I gotta say this stuff takes a bit of elbow grease with the Magic Eraser. It does remove ball swirls and the glue residue from the mylar but at the same time it does dull the surface. I found that Nifty actually does a pretty good job at getting rid of the black marks too but hopeless on the glue. Man this shit smells a bit like jet fuel - it's taking my head off :)
Will keep trying and take some photos soon...
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I have used Eucalyptus Oil for 20 years. It really cleans off grease and grime and not the playfield. .. I use it to clean metal parts too, as I hate the smell of turps and the like. .. It's also good for wiping the wiring too...also the underside of playfield plastics (on a cotton bud). ...Mark
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I've done a couple of test patches and I gotta say this stuff takes a bit of elbow grease with the Magic Eraser. It does remove ball swirls and the glue residue from the mylar but at the same time it does dull the surface. I found that Nifty actually does a pretty good job at getting rid of the black marks too but hopeless on the glue. Man this shit smells a bit like jet fuel - it's taking my head off :)
Will keep trying and take some photos soon...
I would use only Isoprophyl Alcohol with Magic Eraser because with ME - you are actually using the liquid as a lubricant and to agitate the dirt from between the cracks of the playfield. MOST of the liquid evaporates.
Shellite has the same properties as lighter fluid - Don't inhale too much of it - use a well ventilated area.
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I think I like Mark's (kidamigo) suggestion best because this Shellite stuff really stinks and I don't adequate ventilation in my workshop so the eucalyptus oil is the go.
Please go back to my Spin A Card resto thread here http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=2316.new#new to see some before & after pictures of the PF so far.
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I have used Eucalyptus Oil for 20 years. It really cleans off grease and grime and not the playfield. .. I use it to clean metal parts too, as I hate the smell of turps and the like. .. It's also good for wiping the wiring too...also the underside of playfield plastics (on a cotton bud). ...Mark
+1
Totally agree Mark and also with the cleaning of metal parts with eucalyptus oil. I have found the 'purple' side of the ME after they have been used a few times to be excellent to clean metal and also things like coil plungers with eucalyptus oil *%*
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Guess i have to ask, but, does shellite leave a smell? or does the odour evaporate too??
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Smells and dont light a match near it.
It is good stuff - we used to use it to clean grease stains off customers car carpets and seats when i was a motor mechanic,does not leave any mark at all and does no damage.