EM play field clear coat after magic eraser or wax and play

Trackball

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I've been after a Williams Aztec for a while and finally found a good candidate for the game room. Heavily played during it's time with a dirty PF and a decent amount of ball swirl marks. Luckily no paint touch ups to do. After some light clean up with the ME and 91% it is looking real good though it does have that dulling effect. Seeing it is a keeper and it will be attended to on the regular I am leaning toward giving it a good wax instead of clear coating. Anyone with a strong opinion on why I absolutely should clear coat the PF?
 
Well, you removed clear if there was any and thin layer of paint. Maybe necessary to clean. It needs to be meticulously cleaned and cleared THEN waxed after it cures
 
The Magic Eraser removed the original clear coat, ball swirls are basically just grime caught in the cracks of that clear coat which is why the ME gets rid of em. So now you definitely should clear coat the playfield to protect the original paint. You could wax it religiously but if that wears through at any point the paint isn't going to resist balls rolling on it for very long.
 
I'd thoroughly wax with johnsons and enjoy. Assuming it's gonna be used in your home, that should be just fine. If you were going to put in a location where it got heavy play, that would be a different story.
 
I'm going to have it clear coated. All the effort might as well take it all the way. (y)
I believe that will provide you the best results with the least chance for damaging wear.
 
Clearcoat will definitely change the feel of the game, and speed it up considerably... possibly leading to more broken plastics/targets/etc. But yeah, it'll protect the playfield nicely. If it's too out of control, weaker flipper coils may be worth considering.
 
I've done probably 20 or so Gottlieb 70's em's all with ME and 91%. I've scrubbed and touched up paint, and have yet to clearcoat a playfield. Doesn't mean its right, but I've been very happy with the results. I've used a few different waxes also. My favorite combo is Meguiars Cleaner wax paste followed by a Carnuba Butter Wax.. I've also used and have had great luck with old fashioned Millwax on the older games or a combo of the 3.

If you are trying to level inserts and other spots by clearcoating, thats different. I normally pull the inserts and flatten them and reinstall.
 
I would consider making / or buying a playfield protector vs. clearing. Especially if you have cupped inserts. Let me know if you want examples or details.
 
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