So i got all set up for my first attempt at using KBS diamond coat, ad was not really happy with the results. Followed a lot of advice on here, plus talked to a couple of people, and still ended up with quite a few bubbles. The playfield itself seemed to have some sort of issue where it had a few tiny pimples here and there, not sure if this exacerbated the problem.  Here is a shot after the first coat.



Colours were brilliant, however the bubbles were not!  I sanded it back, and had another go with similar results. I came to the conclusion that it is simply too humid here in Townsville at this time of year, or i stuffed something up! Anyway, i have sent the playfield down to Savage Restorations in Brisbane (actually took the opportunity to strip a WH20 at the same time to send both together, but that is a future restoration thread), for him to weave his magic.

So, the progress will go a bit slower, but it gives me plenty of time to concentrate in the cabinet and other stuff.

More time sanding and bogging, and here is the cab after a few primer coats and some black around the edges



I had previously been using a poxy Ozito random orbital sander, and @AlexMc loaned me his Makita 150mm sander - amazing the difference a good tool makes, particularly with variable speed.  Straight after using it, i went out and bought myself a decent one - after some research, it appears the Metabo SXE450 turbo is a great midrange in price, yet very good quality option. It has 2 sanding modes, where the aggressive will be great for removing old artwork.

Headbox painted



Some cabinet hardware painted



These were the legs



I am still not sure whether to go chrome, or maybe paint them green, anyway, for the moment i left them soaking in Oxalic acid for 24 hrs, then a quick hit with steel wool.

After



Then time to start applying decals. I use a 'plug' for the front door, so the decal doesn't dip down and make it difficult



Got my very capable and handy wife to assist with applying the main cab decals. We have a system worked out that is great to apply them.  Not sure if her being pregnant is part of the system, but it always seems to be that she is pregnant when we apply decals! (Woohoo, bring on bub number 4 in January).




Mmmm, shiny



Cutting the decals for the metal cabinet protectors to be installed



At this point i realised i hadn't drilled holes in the front of the cab to mount the door or lockdown bar receiver!  Not a biggie, but things i didn't think of when using a new cabinet.  I am considering just attaching the lockdown bar receiver only from the inside, so there are 2 less bolts visible on the front - will temporarily mount it and see how strong it feels.