Noob question on pin maintenance

[pinballDan]

What about Mill wax?

Is it worthy of using, or is it just a needless niche-branded product that doesn't really do anything special over common store-bought products?

All I have ever used is the Mill Wax, been using it for 20 + years cleaning thousands of Games, it has a little abrasive cleaning grit but mild enough not to hurt playfield art work, does a one step clean and polish leaving a hard finish when done. Also works to clean the score drums on EM's with out removing the print, cleans rubbers, plastic and ramps. I have tried the Novice line and must not be doing it right - it seams to take a lot more elbow grease to get the job done. Less then 10.00 for a jug and it will clean more Games then you can count. I am sure it is mostly what you get use to.

 

[shardian]

I tried out Mill Wax and Novus when I got my first project pin. Novus cleaned better, and shined better.

 

[Steelhorse]

Besides the on-line stores where can one purchase some Novus? I have checked most grocery stores. I got wild cat cleaner and I use Meguires "Deep Crystal" Carnauba wax. I dont like the Wild Cat (it came with machine when I bought it) but been using it anyway, just not on mylar as I heard it lifts it off PF. That Meguires I tell you I put 3-4 coats on my PF with excellent results. Ya Mill Wax is for the older folk who been around pinballs before we were born---and like the poster right above said "I am sure it is mostly what you get use to". What ever works for ya though is all that matters.

 

[caligirl]

I understand Novus maybe available at motorcycle stores or boating stores. I had a friend that used it on his Harley and another friend that uses it on his boat and his Jeep. Novus 1 is simply a plexiglass/plastic cleaner, like Briliantine. Briliantine can be bought at TAP Plastics. As Novus 2 and 3 are more abrasive and may not be sold as such places, I'm not sure. I always throw some on to a part order when ordering other parts for my machines.
I use Novus 2 to do a good cleaning, then do a couple waxings with a good wax, and clean up any residue with Novus 1.
Also use Novus 1 for regular wipedowns, to keep it shiny. Do not use Novus 2 on clear ramps, it is a bit abrasive. 3 is even more abrasive and should only be used to polish out large scratches, with lots of time and elbow grease.
I suppose you could get by with using Briliantine and a wax, but it is not what is recommended or considered ideal by most collectors.

 

[Oryk Zinyo]

Novus 2 is available at my local Harley dealership. They don't have 1 or 3 though...