Best way to remove old art work

chrisjs100

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I am refinishing an old cabinet for a new game and want to get rid of the old art work. What is the best way to remove the old art work and get it ready for paint. Sanding is my guess.
 
For full side art like the mortal kombat series or the Big cabinets I used a heat gun and a scraper.(carefully) Now if you have a stenciled painted cabinet, get a D/A with 80 grit sand paper then hit it with 200 for final finish. It'll be super smooth. the D/A is the best bet & will save you time depending how many coats that cab has.

Hope this helps.
 
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Not sure if this is the best, but i have seen others post on here and they used this Decal Remover from Harbor freight. I just recently got one myself and haven't had a chance to use it yet. Have been told it just peels off the old one with ease.
image_16745.jpg

http://www.harborfreight.com/hot-blade-decal-remover-65057.html
 
Citristrip! I applied it with a paint brush on some Galaga sideart, after an hour it came right off with a putty knife. It doesn't have a toxic smell either. - Barry
 
How is that used ?
I havent used or seen that before.
I am doing a pacman restore and I took a 60 grit on a skilcat ! and it came off. But if this is cleaner.. but is for removing stickers? Or removing stencil paint sideart ?
 
I'm just guessing because I have never used one, but when it states "decal remover", it means sticker decals? I agree with the citristrip or something similiar. Much cleaner and not near as much sanding. I am in the middle of my pac restore and that's what I am using.
 
I just used the good ole Heat gun.
Although I strongly recommend using this during the winter... Not so fun near summer time.

Removing the old skin off my Karnov cab.
Heatgun.jpg
 
I just used the good ole Heat gun.
Although I strongly recommend using this during the winter... Not so fun near summer time.

Removing the old skin off my Karnov cab.
Heatgun.jpg

that came out nice and clean
 
Yeah, if you are not in a rush, & you got some decent jams on.
You can pull this off quite nicely. I just took my time worked with it.
 
Sideart

For the side art on my DK I used my hair dryer and a putty knife to help it. It came off quick and very nice. But stencils I would sand away.
 
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