Painting a Tron ... and all the choices...

Deepspacen

New member
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Saugus, California
I have just started restoring a Tron. This is a dream I have had for a long time and now I start down the path of making it happen. But along the way I have hit a snag. What to Paint it with and how to do it.
My Tron is in good shape but has some scratches on the sides and could use some new paint.
I first used a Heat gun on the old side art and took my time taken it off but when I did I found this beautiful surface of black underneath. Now, I have read that I could use satin black paint , oil base black paints with a semi gloss. I have read that some will use spray and others a sponge roller with light wet sanding between coats.
But can anything be as smooth as what I found under that old side art?
I did read that the original cabinets where painted with melamine paint...? Is this true?
Can I just paint the Tron with melamine paint?
Is this paint a good substitute... http://cabinetrescue.com/_wsn/page5.html
I would love to paint the game back as it was with the original paint but I don't know if this can be done.
I will post some Pictures so you can see what I have done so far.
 

Attachments

  • web.jpg
    web.jpg
    55.6 KB · Views: 72
  • web2.jpg
    web2.jpg
    73.9 KB · Views: 55
  • web3.jpg
    web3.jpg
    95.3 KB · Views: 57
  • web4.jpg
    web4.jpg
    86.7 KB · Views: 44
I believe melamine was a laminate that was applied at the factory. If you want it that smooth, the best you can do is use automotive paints with a HPLV sprayer. You might be able to get it fully prepped and take it to an automotive painter and have them do it for you, but you'd run the risk of damagind your new paint job during transit.
 
Whatever you do, you need to take a scrap panel of plywood, primer it exactly like the cabinet will be before painting it, and apply whatever method to the scrap, as a test. Sounds like extra work, but not nearly as much as putting a bad paint job on the cabinet and sanding it back down.

My personal opinion is what I used on the front of my Robotron and Stargate cabinets - quart can RustOleum OIL BASED Satin black, thinned about 80% paint, 20% acetone, sprayed through an HVLP automotive style spray gun. In my case, it went on very slick and the sheen looks very close to that black Midway cabinet finish. If I ever refinish my Galaga, that's probably what I would do.
 
I believe melamine was a laminate that was applied at the factory. If you want it that smooth, the best you can do is use automotive paints with a HPLV sprayer. You might be able to get it fully prepped and take it to an automotive painter and have them do it for you, but you'd run the risk of damagind your new paint job during transit.


Thanks for the info!!! But do you or anyone know the paint that was used when they first made the Tron in 1982? I might be able to get a painting booth and a spray but I would love to know the exact paint used when I do get to a booth. It might not matter but its worth a try to see if anyone knows what paint was used.
Thanks again !!!
 
It's not a paint. It's a laminate...like plastic adhered to the wood. There's no paint code. Black with a satin or semi-gloss finish will be fine...trust me.
 
I just got done restoring an Asteroids cabinet. Learned a lot from the process.

I started with a KILZ primer (rolled with a sponge roller), sanded with 250 grit. Then painted with a Glidden satin black, then sanded with 250 grit. Filled in all defects with wood putty of course. Then applied my side art and vinyled the top, back and front.

NOTE: The vinyl and side art needs to be applied to a painted area, as it will not stick to wood, but sticks great to Formica as well.

Not sure if I'll do it that way again. Might just apply paint and Formica the sides next time. A lot of work.
 
you could apply a laminate instead of painting. Most don't go that route but it's probably the best way to get the same finish. Not that painting doesn't result in an excellent finish.
 
Rust-Oleum-7777730-rw-204883-313784.jpg
 
I just used an inexpensive satin black latex that I rolled. It can be done well if you prep well and go slowly.

Thanks!! I will post pictures once it is done. I do have another question.
I was going to just use some Bondo on any dings, but then I read that Dings at the base or near the legs should not use Bondo. Can you tell me what I should fix the dings at the base of my cabinet?
 
i used car paint on mine. One stage, GLOSS black actlic enamel. Acrylic is not like a super hard shine, but rather has a sheen to it which was what i wanted( yes i know not "correct")

heres the post. http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=109769


mine was painted with super old leftover paint and a $1o( on sale) hvlp gun from harbor freight
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom