How does one remove Pac-Man mini wood veneer? (my poor fingers...)

Jr. Pac

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How does one remove Pac-Man mini wood veneer? (my poor fingers...)

I've been trying for the last hour to remove the wood grain from a Pac-Man cabaret but I've removed more skin from my hands than woograin. After this much time I've only gotten half of a side done. Heat gunning is something I've tried and it helps but not much.
 
I would try a hot knife. Harbor Freight has one for about $15. It's basically a soldering iron with an attachment that holds a razor blade.
 
Thanks. I will go that route if no one has any other way that they've confirmed works.
 
i use a painters tool and a hot gun.. wear gloves so you dont burn your fingers.

can do a side in about 15 -20 minutes


then just sand it down
 
Thank you.
I've tried a similar technique with a razor blade instead of a painter's tool and it took gouges out of the gorgeous cabinet. GRRR
 
Thank you.
I've tried a similar technique with a razor blade instead of a painter's tool and it took gouges out of the gorgeous cabinet. GRRR

I use my hands and a utility blade/razor blade with great results. You have to hold the blade as flat to the surface as possible or you will gouge the shit out of it.

I've removed the wood-grain vinyl from 4 cabaret cabinets so far. Each one was different depending upon where it had been stored or used. The section on the Pac Man where people rest there hands was practically cemented to the cabinet. My Galaga cabaret had one side that peeled off effortlessly in 3 seconds while the opposite side took a half hour.

If you don't have strong hands, use a heat gun. And taking chunks out of the wood is no big deal. You can bondo them up in no time. The sides of all of my Midway cabaret cabs have nail holes in them from the factory, right through the vinyl. They were all filled with wood putty. I removed the wood putty and bondoed the holes before I put new vinyl on them.
 
I use my hands and a utility blade/razor blade with great results. You have to hold the blade as flat to the surface as possible or you will gouge the shit out of it.

I've removed the wood-grain vinyl from 4 cabaret cabinets so far. Each one was different depending upon where it had been stored or used. The section on the Pac Man where people rest there hands was practically cemented to the cabinet. My Galaga cabaret had one side that peeled off effortlessly in 3 seconds while the opposite side took a half hour.

If you don't have strong hands, use a heat gun. And taking chunks out of the wood is no big deal. You can bondo them up in no time. The sides of all of my Midway cabaret cabs have nail holes in them from the factory, right through the vinyl. They were all filled with wood putty. I removed the wood putty and bondoed the holes before I put new vinyl on them.

that glue is usaully pretty weak
just heat it up with a heat gun and it should come right off
Been there, done both. They either take gouges out of the cab no matter how flush or hurt my hands. Heat gun hardly helps.

Funny that you say that though, Atlas. The stripe people hold onto came off like paper taped to it. The rest is a PITA.

FYI I am going to paint this one, so it has to be totally smooth with minimal gouges.
 
propane torch or map gas i believe it is called.
i used a propane torch to get some off then used a belt sander to get rid of the glue and sand it smooth.

This so far has been the most effective method, however it still wears my hands out. I was able to get 1/8 of the grain off in about 20 minutes.
 
really torch it
get it real hot
like your going to burn the Formica
and use a NEW heavy duty metal scraper
it will make your life easier.
and wear heavy duty gloves so the hot glue does not hit your hands and burn you.
and you will throw the scraper away when your done it will have alot of glue residue on it
 
Are you referring to the wood grain vinyl or is it truely veneer? If you are talking about the vinyl, I have had luck with citrus strip.. Spread it on and let it dry completely.. The. Spread more on and start picking at it.. This has worked for me on sideart.
 
+1 for a heat gun and a wide spackle trowel. Heat the trowel with the gun for added effectiveness. I use an ove'glove as well to keep from burning my hand.
 
+1 for a heat gun and a wide spackle trowel. Heat the trowel with the gun for added effectiveness. I use an oven glove as well to keep from burning my hand.
Thank you, I will try that,
Are you referring to the wood grain vinyl or is it truely veneer? If you are talking about the vinyl, I have had luck with citrus strip.. Spread it on and let it dry completely.. The. Spread more on and start picking at it.. This has worked for me on sideart.
Yes, that is what I'm referring to. I'm sorry I could not find a better word. Thank you for your advice, I will try it if all else fails.


I also have another question; shall I sand the cabinet for a rougher finish so the paint has more to cling to? My plans are to stencil this cabinet if it matters. Also, what paint would you gurus recommend for rolling-stenciling? Outdoor, latex, water based?
 
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You shall sand with 80 grit sand paper to remove any remnants of adhesive. Then you shall increase the number of grit until you doth reach 200-400.

Thou shalt then primer the surface, allow it to dry, and then sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper. Repeat thrice.

Then, thou shalt be worthy of a top coat.





Also, use the search function of the site. Kjeffery has great tips on painting.
 
You shall sand with 80 grit sand paper to remove any remnants of adhesive. Then you shall increase the number of grit until you doth reach 200-400.

Thou shalt then primer the surface, allow it to dry, and then sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper. Repeat thrice.

Then, thou shalt be worthy of a top coat.





Also, use the search function of the site. Kjeffery has great tips on painting.
Thy usage of your language is rather supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Merci beaucoup! At this point in time, I shall now return to my Bach minuets.
 
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Thank you. These methods will be put to the test once I force a trip to Home Depot (there is an obstacle called "MOM"). I truly appreciate the feedback.

I do find it interesting you all talk about adhesive residue when oddly enough there is no adhesive in sight on this cab and the decals come off cleanly, leaving bare wood.
 
Don't know if the veneer is the same, but I used a citristrip type product called Zinsser Magic Strip Citrus-Action Gel. And it was super easy.

http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=238658&highlight=Star+Trek+restoration

Do a test area and see if it works. Needs to be free of adhesive. If there is any adhesive you'll need to use goof off, or goo gone or something so that the gel can work properly. Also, the gel should sit for at least 20 minutes--30 is ideal.
 
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