Preserving extra rubbers, whaddya do?

keithsarcade

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Someone was nice enough to send me new rubbers for my pinball. I think he acually sent me 2 sets. Id like to hold on to them in case I ever need them years on down the road. So whats the best way to store these and keep them from drying out?

Also could use some advice on cleaning a playfield. Already got advice on wax, but whats the best method of cleaning before wax? Ive heard rubbing alcohol will work, is this true?
 
Rubbers will dry out no matter what. Time will just mess them up. They're not expensive, so when it's time, buy new ones. I keep mine in plastic baggies. Got a TON of them from spares I've bought but didn't need. Nice to have on hand, but I don't know how long I'll keep them around. As long as they're nice, however long that may be.

As for cleaning a playfield, use NOVUS 2. It's a must. I sometimes go between Novus 1 and 2, but mostly 2 as it's not so liquid and won't harm the wood. But, depending on who you ask, some prefer 1. I have both just in case ;)
 
The rubber rings will last for a while in just a ziplock bag. Be sure to clean and wax your playfield good or the rubbers will get dirty quicker. Don't use regular rubbing alcohol it has too much water. I think it's 100% Isopropyl alcohol that you need Not sure though ,I'm on vacation so I can't check what type I have. Check with Lindsey on this to be sure.Also you can use a majic eraser on ball swirl, Just be careful though. As for wax use the Novus 2 first then put on some good carnuba paste wax.
Glennon
 
I like to keep my extra rubbers in ziploc bags but anything that will keep them sealed will work. They won't last forever but they should last quite a while if stored properly.

Playfield cleaning is a contentious subject. There are a lot of opinions on what's best but ultimately it's up to the individual to figure out what works for them. Which products and techniques you need will depend on the condition of the playfield. I typically start with magic eraser and alcohol if it needs it then clean with Novus #2 and then apply wax but it's not going to be the same every time. Like I said... it depends on the playfield and what you want out of it in the end. Clear coating is another option.
 
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I can't stress this enough, but if you use a magic eraser, DO NOT press down real hard. You're better off with many light circular movements than a hard quick rub. This is especially true if you're doing a non-Diamond Plate game. Magic Eraser is basically like taking a very fine grit sandpaper to your playfield surface.

Also, as always, make sure you test the playfield surface to see how it reacts to the isopropyl alcohol. This even applies to one Diamond Plate playfield to another. For my Jackbot, the alcohol and magic eraser were amazing and made quick work of the dirt, on my Twilight Zone, it started affecting the surface coating.

Magic Eraser is great, and I use it all the time, but approach it with caution.
 
I can't stress this enough, but if you use a magic eraser, DO NOT press down real hard. You're better off with many light circular movements than a hard quick rub. This is especially true if you're doing a non-Diamond Plate game. Magic Eraser is basically like taking a very fine grit sandpaper to your playfield surface.

Also, as always, make sure you test the playfield surface to see how it reacts to the isopropyl alcohol. This even applies to one Diamond Plate playfield to another. For my Jackbot, the alcohol and magic eraser were amazing and made quick work of the dirt, on my Twilight Zone, it started affecting the surface coating.

Magic Eraser is great, and I use it all the time, but approach it with caution.

Hey Jar I saw your post On Rgp on Twilight Zone, that sucks. How did that turn out?
 
Hey Jar I saw your post On Rgp on Twilight Zone, that sucks. How did that turn out?

Luckily the area was small, and I was able to smooth it over so you can't tell that anything happened. When I waxed up the playfield it became pretty much unnoticeable, but only because the area was so small.
 
I didnt even think about the light detertiorating them. Sounds like a ziplock bag in a sealed box is the way to go then?

Yeah, that's pretty much the best best. I also keep mine inside rather than out in the garage where it gets real hot and cold.

There ultimately not so expensive that you need to go to great lengths to protect them, but it's real nice to have good condition ones on hand whenever you need them.
 
I used to keep them wrapped in a sealed foil package in my wallet, but I'm married now....
 
You had better check, Mod. That same one you bought in Junior High is probably still there...
 
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