Mylar removal mini-disaster

KidVidiot

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I did my first mylar removal today (bally system 11 pin with diamond plate) and it went great except an important little decal on one of the inserts came up with its section of mylar. I was thinking of cutting it out and super gluing it back onto the playfield. Would that work? Or is that crazy? Is there a method people use when this happens?
 
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This happened to me on my Congo. After a while I stopped noticing what was missing - and nobody else seems to notice. It's much better without the mylar.
 
I did my first mylar removal today (bally system 11 pin with diamond plate) and it went great except an important little decal on one of the inserts came up with its section of mylar. I was thinking of cutting it out and super gluing it back onto the playfield. Would that work? Or is that crazy? Is there a method people use when this happens?

A little late but I've found the best way to remove mylar is to hit it with some freeze spray as you're removing it. Freezing it leaves the adhesive frozen on the playfield and the mylar seperates clean and easy. You then use lots of fresh razor blades with Goo Gone to slowly remove the adhesive.
 
I personally wouldn't attempt to cut up the old mylar and use that as the basis of your repair. I would have to think that would look like butt. I especially wouldn't super glue it to your playfield....

Assuming a whole new complete set of stickers isn't available (I know, could be expensive for a single insert), I think you have 3 options:

obtain a scan from someone, print a waterslide decal, apply and spot clear;
hand paint the insert text yourself and spot clear; or,
live with it
 
My first pinball machine was a Black Knight 2000, and I found out the hardway that its a BAD idea to pull mylar on that game. I had about 5 inserts total on the whole game with any content left on them at all. After that experience I dont think I will pull any mylar again EVER.

There is a way to fix them, get the insert decals (if available) off ebay pop out all the inserts, wet sand them flat apply decal then reinsert and glue (make sure they are super level.) Then you have to clear coat.

As you can probably tell this will take a TON of time and effort. ;) Wish I had done it to my black knight 2000 instead of selling it though. I REALLY miss that game.
 
I personally wouldn't attempt to cut up the old mylar and use that as the basis of your repair. I would have to think that would look like butt. I especially wouldn't super glue it to your playfield....

Assuming a whole new complete set of stickers isn't available (I know, could be expensive for a single insert), I think you have 3 options:

obtain a scan from someone, print a waterslide decal, apply and spot clear;
hand paint the insert text yourself and spot clear; or,
live with it
what is spot clear? And can't I just scan it myself?
 
I am very new to pinball repair, so a question:
Has anyone every tried dry ice to remove mylar? It doesn't leave any residue and would be colder than freeze spray. Wearing gloves would be a good idea.
 
I am very new to pinball repair, so a question:
Has anyone every tried dry ice to remove mylar? It doesn't leave any residue and would be colder than freeze spray. Wearing gloves would be a good idea.

The amount of residue you get with canned air (freeze spray) is small compared to the glue that's left behind, so that shouldn't matter. Dry ice IMHO could create more insert problems. A good general rule of thumb for pin repair is to use only as much force/solvent/heat/cold as you need to, and no more.
 
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Thank you for re-affirming my decision to leave well enough alone on my beloved BK2K. I have some bubbling under a few inserts and it really is not that bothersome. I'll clean it up but will not muck with the mylar.

Bill

My first pinball machine was a Black Knight 2000, and I found out the hardway that its a BAD idea to pull mylar on that game. I had about 5 inserts total on the whole game with any content left on them at all. After that experience I dont think I will pull any mylar again EVER.

There is a way to fix them, get the insert decals (if available) off ebay pop out all the inserts, wet sand them flat apply decal then reinsert and glue (make sure they are super level.) Then you have to clear coat.

As you can probably tell this will take a TON of time and effort. ;) Wish I had done it to my black knight 2000 instead of selling it though. I REALLY miss that game.
 
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