Arcade Stools - Do You Have Them In Your Home Arcade?

Alan173 said:
So I purchased some cheap stools, painted them and poured a 2 part epoxy finish over my arcade graphic. I was careful to choose a base paper for the logo that 'glowed' under the blacks lights.
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That's a great idea! How well is the art holding up? Did you glue down the printout, and then apply the coats of epoxy? My first reaction would be to assume that the epoxy would soak through the paper and ruin it, but those look fantastic...
 
I am 6'6" and I have never used a stool to play a classic game in my life. I would rather slouch.
 
driph said:
That's a great idea! How well is the art holding up? Did you glue down the printout, and then apply the coats of epoxy? My first reaction would be to assume that the epoxy would soak through the paper and ruin it, but those look fantastic...
Click to expand...

I had the logo's laminated in 3mil gloss.....and I pre-cut them into circles before doing this so the edges were sealed 100%. Otherwise...yep...the paper would not have held up. I used spray adhesive to hold them in place...
 
Those look amazing! Great job. I would also love to see the stools out there that match their games. Either idea would make it worth it to not have the fancy padded stools. I have two pairs of old ugly stools, and I would love to do something similar to what you've done! Great imspiration!
 
Oh no! Complaining Arcade Patrons!...

Well...it is official. I received my first complaints about my custom arcade stools. My two daughters said they are too high...and they want ones they can STAND on...not sit on. They also demanded their names be on them as well. They are only 2 and 4 years old...but the 4 year old pulled me aside and said "We represent the younger generation who is supposed to carry the 'arcade torch' into the future. In our own home arcade our Dad is supposed to cater to our wants/wishes. Wouldn't you be sad if we couldn't establish a Twin Galaxies worlds record because we didn't have the correct stools?" Or maybe they actually said "Daddy where are little stools for us?"...I can't remember exactly. ;)

A fathers work is never done...the new personalized 'shorty' stools are almost complete...;)
 
Those turned out great!!! I did see one first hand but they weren't 100% set and ready for testing.

Glad to have inspired you with my "FREE" 50's reproduction bar stools (garbage find!).
 
Alan173 said:
Well...it is official. I received my first complaints about my custom arcade stools. My two daughters said they are too high...and they want ones they can STAND on...not sit on. They also demanded their names be on them as well. They are only 2 and 4 years old...but the 4 year old pulled me aside and said "We represent the younger generation who is supposed to carry the 'arcade torch' into the future. In our own home arcade our Dad is supposed to cater to our wants/wishes. Wouldn't you be sad if we couldn't establish a Twin Galaxies worlds record because we didn't have the correct stools?" Or maybe they actually said "Daddy where are little stools for us?"...I can't remember exactly. ;)

A fathers work is never done...the new personalized 'shorty' stools are almost complete...;)
Click to expand...
Thats hilarious! Kids...
 
vicjw66 said:
I am 6'6" and I have never used a stool to play a classic game in my life. I would rather slouch.
Click to expand...

Try a marathon day of Sea Wolf and you'll get a stool. That game must've been made for the 5'0" players...
 
Alan173 said:
So I purchased some cheap stools, painted them and poured a 2 part epoxy finish over my arcade graphic.

Alan
Click to expand...

Have you detailed this process anywhere, such as:

1) Did you start with a vinyl topped stool?

2) What type(s) of epoxy?

3) How heavy a coat?

4) Application method?

5) Dry time?

6) Does the epoxy make it less comfortable?

7) Will your ass glow after sitting on it?

etc....
 
+1 form Mods questions, gives us a nice list so I can replicate, excellent idea my friend. I bought a stool for my Ice Cold Beer that is just the right height so I can clear the first three boards easily and still drink a beer...
 
O.k.....some quick tips...

Here are some quick tips:

modessitt said:
Have you detailed this process anywhere, such as:

1) Did you start with a vinyl topped stool?
I started with pre-finished all wood stools ($15 for 24" and $19 for 30" - new). That way I didn't have to deal with all the extra finish work. I simply scuffed the tops before painting them black so they had a good 'tooth' for adhesion.

2) What type(s) of epoxy?
Envirotex Lite - pour on high gloss finish.

3) How heavy a coat?
Single coat poured on...looks to be about 1/16th of an inch thick. Amazing stuff.

4) Application method?
Pour over top...concentrate pouring in center and then work outwards. I used a Jen foam brush to work the sides out and wrap it around the bottom. Never touched the top with a brush. Put wax paper down as this stuff runs off for the first 2-3 hours. Tipped all drips within the first few hours with the foam brush. Make sure your project is 'dead level'...I used a bulls-eye level set in the center. If not perfectly level the finish will flow off in only one direction.

5) Dry time?
In reality it takes a solid week for full cure - at 70 degrees 20% humidity. With that amount of dry time it is rock solid. It is very easy to check by denting the underside with your fingernail to know if it is totally cured. You also do not want to wipe or dust the top until this full cure period is over.

6) Does the epoxy make it less comfortable?
Nope...pretty much identical to when the stool was a natural clear finish.

7) Will your ass glow after sitting on it?
I don't think...but I'll ask the wife...she is about the only one still semi-willing to go there. I am however quite sure if the proper drying time is not adhered to....the stool may mysteriously follow you around after sitting on it! ;)

Some other things to add are I used satin black paint...which seems to look outstanding/consistant under the epoxy. Also laminating the logo and having the edges sealed is key to not having the logo bleed/run. If you get bubbles in the finish just hit them with a torch or if the epoxy is still fluid enough you can breath on them to get them to pop....your finish should be crystal clear with this stuff.

If I left anything out...just hit me back...

Alan

etc....
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Kids Stools Almost Complete...

Another day or so to cure and I can put the tops back on. Stools are cut down and look cool.....the names turned out pretty nice and even glow under the black light! I took a picture of one top with natural lighting to try and better capture the finish. And yes...that is some good old Michigan snow on the ground for any of you Southerners out there!...:)

I think Santa will put these stools under the tree this year...
 

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The Stool Set Is Finally Complete!!

EVERYONE is now happy.....;)
 

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Hahaha, that is very cool! :D

Now just wait until your girls get a little older, and then they will want the stools raised. :rolleyes:

You've earned your "Father of the Year" award Tshirt, for sure.
 
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