Neo Geo Stenciling/Logo

[MaxAsh]

Hello all - I've found a bunch of old threads on this topic, but nothing new, so I'm not sure where to go these days.

I'm restoring a Neo Geo MVS 2-slot, and all I have left to do is the side art. It looks like the original logo/lettering was painted, so my instinct is a stencil/mask plan and repainting it myself. I'd be fine with vinyl as well if that's cheaper/easier, and I've worked with it in the past.

Is there anyone that has (or can make) the necessary stencil/mask? Or perhaps someone who can print it out on adhesive vinyl? I contacted several local shops, and they either said "no" because it's a small project, or quoted high prices because they do not do things like this normally.

Anyone have a reasonable priced option or suggestion? I tried the Neo Geo forums, not much luck since I can't post much there yet.

 

[infrarad]

I thought the side art was actually screen printed vinyl but I may be wrong.

Anyway, yeah most sign shops can be difficult because they don't want to touch smaller orders. In reality it shouldn't cost more than like $10-$20 per side for something that simple.
If you can find a place local to do it, the artwork files should be pretty readily available on places like vectorlib.free.fr although they may need to be sized to match the original.
Otherwise I know a lot of people here have vinyl cutters and can probably help you out. I have one but I've never used it for stencils.

 

[MaxAsh]

I thought the side art was actually screen printed vinyl but I may be wrong.

I'll admit to a complete lack of knowledge on this topic, so it's entirely possible you're right. Based on the way it bubbled/peeled in a few places, that makes sense. I can post a pic of the current condition if it helps.

Since I'm trying to keep cost down, my plan is to repaint the side and then reapply the graphics/logo with whatever works best and doesn't break the bank. I'd happily go with a vinyl print and apply it if that's inexpensive. The most time-consuming and cheapest option would be to hand-trace the existing logos since I can still see them, then try and create my own stencils, but I cannot imagine this having an attractive result compared to a printed solution.

If I could get away with $10 per side I'd be jumping for joy. Cheapest I've found locally is $30 per side, and they aren't even sure they want the business.

Edit: Attaching some pics. Both sides of this cabinet were painted over with black latex. I stripped it off, and as you can see one side came out very nicely. Sadly, the other side had sustained a lot of damage (both before and after they painted it with the black latex), so stripping it off was partially successful.

 

[infrarad]

Yeah that looks like a white print on red vinyl and to have the entire side printed like that would cost a fortune.
If you want cheapest solution, then strip it down and cover it in red vinyl or paint and then put the logo on it in white vinyl. Cost would be about $10-$15 per side from the right person.
The main disadvantage to this would be a pretty obvious difference in sheen/thickness.

If you want the (arguably) best solution, then do the same thing but instead, have the vinyl be a stencil and paint the white directly on. Then obviously remove the vinyl. Cost would be more like $15-$20 per side (plus cost of white paint)

Let me know if you can't find someone to do it for you and I'll see if I can cut it.

 

[MaxAsh]

If you want cheapest solution, then strip it down and cover it in red vinyl or paint and then put the logo on it in white vinyl. Cost would be about $10-$15 per side from the right person.

If you want the (arguably) best solution, then do the same thing but instead, have the vinyl be a stencil and paint the white directly on. Then obviously remove the vinyl. Cost would be more like $15-$20 per side (plus cost of white paint)

Let me know if you can't find someone to do it for you and I'll see if I can cut it.

The front of the cab (not pictured) was impossible to strip and too damaged, so I already stripped and repainted it, looks great. I agree with you, and my plan would be the same on the sides, strip it and paint it instead of re-vinyl. Cost is far lower, and the person I'm restoring this for is perfectly fine with having the "look" if not the full authenticity.

I'd love to paint it on using the stencil method - couldn't I just re-use that on both sides, rather than having to pay/price it for each side? If I could swing $15-20 and re-use it as a stencil, I would definitely go for that.

 

[infrarad]

Unfortunately you can't re-use a vinyl stencil like that. It goes on just like if you were putting the graphic on in white, but as a negative. So after you paint, you remove all the vinyl bits at which point they're trash.
I don't think you could go the painted route for any less than $30 total unless someone else here can cut you an amazing deal.

 

[MaxAsh]

Unfortunately you can't re-use a vinyl stencil like that. It goes on just like if you were putting the graphic on in white, but as a negative. So after you paint, you remove all the vinyl bits at which point they're trash.
I don't think you could go the painted route for any less than $30 total unless someone else here can cut you an amazing deal.

Makes sense. I'd be willing to go $30 if someone thinks they could pull it off for that price. I grabbed correctly-sized .png file off a website, but I see some on vectorlib too. Strangely two of the logos from my cab are missing from there (SNK doesn't have the symbol next to it, and NEO*GEO isn't solo on there). Would you want to try and tackle it infrarad, or do you want to see if someone else chimes in tonight with an offer of assistance? I'll browse around a little, but I'm not sure who currently does this work.

 

[Mattroid]

There have been several people who have done this over the years. Unfortunately, I don't remember who and would have to dig through my emails and PMs to possibly find them. There's a few threads here and on the Neo-Geo forums about this.

I can tell you this, though - I've yet to see anyone who created decals, stencils, or even just the vectors who used the correct font. I scanned my side art at one point and started to re-draw it in Illustrator but never did finish...just got too busy and ultimately lost interest.

If you're not terribly picky, you can probably find the old threads and see if anyone still sells them. Here's one of the threads I started about this a while back.

If anyone finishes this up and does a run of stencils that are as close as possible, then I'll buy one for sure. I can provide my scans if anyone wants to do it right

EDIT: To clarify, I'm not bashing anyone's work. I'm happy there are options out there. I'm just one of the unusually picky ones is all

 

[MaxAsh]

That was one of the threads I saw, but given the age I haven't had much luck finding anyone currently producing what's needed.

I found a great image to work from this morning, correctly sized to the exact dimensions of my MVS 2-slot from what I can tell checking it out in Adobe. See attached, I would think this might work?

Edit: I just noticed the PNG was converted to JPEG upon posting, but you get the idea. When you compare it to my current damaged side art, it's a match. Pretty sure the dimensions are even exact, so someone did a good job with the file I downloaded.

 

[Mattroid]

I found a great image to work from this morning, correctly sized to the exact dimensions of my MVS 2-slot from what I can tell checking it out in Adobe. See attached, I would think this might work?

Yes, that should work. If you're not picky

 

[infrarad]

If anyone finishes this up and does a run of stencils that are as close as possible, then I'll buy one for sure. I can provide my scans if anyone wants to do it right

If you'd share your scans and vectors, I'd consider doing a small run. I would also need a little help making sure the sizing is correct as well. I have access to a dedicated 4-slot and some NOS conversion artwork that I can measure/scan if need be but no 2-slot.

I think $30 + shipping would be a reasonable goal with a few weeks turnaround. Anyone else interested feel free to chime in.

EDIT: Just remembered the person I know with the 4-slot also has a dedicated 2 slot. Hmm... this might work out.

 

[MaxAsh]

It's pretty darn close. I see a few bits and pieces that may be off a tiny bit, but I'm fine with that.

infrarad or anyone else willing to give it a go in the price range mentioned? Please let me know or PM me. Thanks!

 

[MaxAsh]

If you'd share your scans and vectors, I'd consider doing a small run. I would also need a little help making sure the sizing is correct as well. I have access to a dedicated 4-slot and some NOS conversion artwork that I can measure/scan if need be but no 2-slot.

I think $30 + shipping would be a reasonable goal with a few weeks turnaround. Anyone else interested feel free to chime in.

EDIT: Just remembered the person I know with the 4-slot also has a dedicated 2 slot. Hmm... this might work out.

Awesome, I'll PM you what I have. I only have a PNG file that I found, but it's a start.

 

[BadMojo12]

Stencils

I have the mv25u4-0 type 4 slot and am also interested in stencils.... I'd do it for that $30 shipped if font correct

 

[DuffCon]

I've been researching this as well, there's a guy on the Neo Geo forums that produces the logo on white vinyl, so you paint the side red and apply the sticker

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183298&highlight=decals

You need an account to go to the link

 

[Mattroid]

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183298&highlight=decals

That thread is where the attachment a few posts up came from. I sent the guy later in the thread my scans and vectos years ago and he didn't match them.

There is also a discussion on this on facebook right now here. I'm waiting to see if Chaz will send me the vectors so I can compare to my scans. I can tell from the few pics though that they're likely still a little off.

I think I'm just too damn anal about this shit, lol.

 

[VertexGuy]

I have a friend making his own stencils this week.
Should have him make me a set in case I decide to repaint my cab someday.

 

[DuffCon]

That thread is where the attachment a few posts up came from. I sent the guy later in the thread my scans and vectos years ago and he didn't match them.

There is also a discussion on this on facebook right now here. I'm waiting to see if Chaz will send me the vectors so I can compare to my scans. I can tell from the few pics though that they're likely still a little off.

I think I'm just too damn anal about this shit, lol.

After reading through that thread, the OP isn't making them anymore

I would be interested if anyone else can produce them.

 

[Mattroid]

There were two people in that thread making them. The OP does not but Jason Hicks might still. Check the last page in that thread or the Facebook thread I posted. Also it looks promising that someone in this thread will be making some soon.

 

[ManiN]

Hi, jumped in on this post as myself and a buddy picked up a couple Neo Geos recently, 2 of which could use new side art. I have a vinyl cutter, so we've been working to produce some sets based off what online examples are out there.

We also ran into the issue of past people producing them, not producing anymore...

I plan to do some test cuts soon to see how these come out. I would likely be interested in doing a run of them to sell if folks are interested. Still need to pencil out costs & time as I'm pretty busy these days as it is.