Each time I've done one I have fully removed the playfield, all boards and looms. Although it sounds like a lot of work, its not.
The process I usually follow is this:
- Remove playfield, boards and loom
- vaccum cabinet, remove transformer and door
- nifty clean on floor
- heat gun to remove old decals and glue
- hand sand cabinet back to bare wood
- check its square and not separating
- repair any dents, dings and delamination
- spray acrylic primer and let it set
- hand sand (400grit) - check again for repairs missed
- spray colour (acrylic)
- sand (800 grit) to take shine off cabinet where decals going
- Use coin door filler (home made) on coin door area
- install decals - wet or dry method but wet (windex/water/isocol alcohol mix)
- trim decals
- install new rails
- stand back and admire
I would usually spend a minimum of 20 hours to do the job. With new decals they show every bump, nick and imperfection so its worth the time to spend as much as possible on the preparation.
