Using Novice #2 the right way...

Steelhorse

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Finally got a bottle of this (Novus #2) as so many of you out there use and had suggested. I got it from a Harley bike shop a 1/2 mile from me, anyways how do you use it? Like your waxing your vehicle? Wipe on let dry for 15 minutes or so and terry cloth buff the PF. I follow up with coat(s) of Meguires "deep crystal" Caranuba wax, Am I on the right path? No need for Novus #1 or #3 huh? Just #2? Thanks.
 
Wipe the playfield down first with something like Simple Green or Novus 1 to get the loose dirt off. After that, put a drop of Novus 2 every few inches and work it in with a circular motion with a clean rag, kind of like waxing a car. You can clean more than once, if needed. After that, I'd use Novus 1 again to pick up any dried remnants of the Novus 2. Follow up with your car wax.
 
Thats the first I heard about simple green, or using novus #1 . Novus #2 , I was told is all I need...then car wax...

Well, you want to get the loose dirt off so you don't end up grinding dirt in when you work with the Novus 2. It's kind of like when you wax a car, you always wash it before waxing so that you don't damage the surface with the loose dirt that might be there.

You don't have to have the playfield spotless before the Novus 2 or anything, just get the loose dust and dirt wiped up. You can also use a damp rag or a clean rag with isopropyl alcohol (highest alcohol content you can find).
 
Could I just use my Wildcat cleaner stuff for this application you speak of? Then Novus #2, then caranuba wax? Oh and I just realized I missed spelled novus on the question
 
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I wouldn't use Wildcat at all in the process. Just go with the quick wipe down with a damp rag. Heck, you can even use Windex if you want. It's just to pick up the loose stuff before you start putting some elbow grease into the equation.
 
Wipe the playfield down first with something like Simple Green or Novus 1 to get the loose dirt off. After that, put a drop of Novus 2 every few inches and work it in with a circular motion with a clean rag, kind of like waxing a car. You can clean more than once, if needed. After that, I'd use Novus 1 again to pick up any dried remnants of the Novus 2. Follow up with your car wax.
I'd be very carefull putting any kind of detergent cleaner or water based product on a playfield. It may be ok on a newer style pin that is clearcoated or diamond plated as it won't penetrate the wood of the playfield ,but I wouldn't recomend it on EM or early SS machines especially if it has playfield wear.

Glennon
 
Thats the first I heard about simple green, or using novus #1 . Novus #2 , I was told is all I need...then car wax...
I assume your going to do it right and strip the playfield of everything you can. After stripping the playfield whipe it with a cloth to get rid of any loose dirt, if it has ball swirl marks try a little novus 2 and see if it removes them, if not then you can use a magic eraser with some isopropyl alcohol (get as close to 100% as possible) be carefull and go slow with the magic eraser. After that use the novus 2 then the carnauba wax and your done. Check with Lindsey's website I think he has some detailed info on there about cleaning playfields.

Glennon
 
I'd be very carefull putting any kind of detergent cleaner or water based product on a playfield. It may be ok on a newer style pin that is clearcoated or diamond plated as it won't penetrate the wood of the playfield ,but I wouldn't recomend it on EM or early SS machines especially if it has playfield wear.

Glennon

You'll be fine as long as you're just spraying the rag and then wiping.
 
Right here is where it says that Novus #2 is not cleaner it is a polish and dont use on pre-1989 machines http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

I haven't used it yet as I have not played but 4 games since the last cleaning and me putting 3 coats of caranuba wax on. I count wait to try this stuff you all rave about. I feel like when I do use this stuff it will be a new machine, well maybe not but will it bring back PF bright colors? thanks
 
Right here is where it says that Novus #2 is not cleaner it is a polish and dont use on pre-1989 machines http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

I haven't used it yet as I have not played but 4 games since the last cleaning and me putting 3 coats of caranuba wax on. I count wait to try this stuff you all rave about. I feel like when I do use this stuff it will be a new machine, well maybe not but will it bring back PF bright colors? thanks

You can use it on pre-1989 machines. I don't get why people ever say that.

Bottom line: For pinballs of any era, Novus 2 is THE BEST way to clean/polish your playfield.
 
Right here is where it says that Novus #2 is not cleaner it is a polish and dont use on pre-1989 machines http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

I haven't used it yet as I have not played but 4 games since the last cleaning and me putting 3 coats of caranuba wax on. I count wait to try this stuff you all rave about. I feel like when I do use this stuff it will be a new machine, well maybe not but will it bring back PF bright colors? thanks
Enough with the novus 2 drama. Just put it on and wax already.

Glennon
 
Right here is where it says that Novus #2 is not cleaner it is a polish and dont use on pre-1989 machines http://www.parts4pinballs.com/product_info.php?products_id=89

I haven't used it yet as I have not played but 4 games since the last cleaning and me putting 3 coats of caranuba wax on. I count wait to try this stuff you all rave about. I feel like when I do use this stuff it will be a new machine, well maybe not but will it bring back PF bright colors? thanks

What did you clean it with before you waxed the first time?

If I were you I would strip the playfield of parts and then strip the wax with alcohol. Then clean/polish with Novus #2, wax and reassemble. I would also clean/polish all of the parts. That basic method works pretty well for me.

Pinball restoration is like anything else in life. The more you do it the better you will get.

EDIT: Novus #2 doesn't contain detergents so you could say it's not a cleaner. It says it's a polish on the bottle so yeah... it's a polish and not a cleaner. You could also say that water is not a cleaner but you can clean with it to a certain degree. Novus #2 is no different. It's semantics. It is a pretty effective cleaner but it's not going to remove ground in dirt or clean the way a harsher product will.... and that's a good thing.
 
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If I were you I would strip the playfield of parts and then strip the wax with alcohol. Then clean/polish with Novus #2, wax and reassemble. I would also clean/polish all of the parts. That basic method works pretty well for me.

I was curious, how many people actually strip the playfield each time they clean and wax?

I'm paranoid that I'll strip screws out, or do other damage.
 
I was curious, how many people actually strip the playfield each time they clean and wax?

I'm paranoid that I'll strip screws out, or do other damage.
I strip the playfield the first time then wax around everything when needed. Then I only strip the playfield when needed.

Glennon
 
I was curious, how many people actually strip the playfield each time they clean and wax?

I'm paranoid that I'll strip screws out, or do other damage.

Yeah, me too. I'm sure one day I'll have the balls to do a proper cleaning/waxing of the playfield, but for now, I take as little off the playfield as I can.
 
I remove everything that can be removed from the topside with a screwdriver/nutdriver, and a couple ramps that have bolts underneath holding the front of the ramp down (like on STTNG). Then I use a DRY small paintbrush and brush off any loose materials, kind of like I was on an archeological dig. then I use the Novus #2. then I buff it to a nice shine. Then i clean, polish, buff the playfield parts before putting them back on, making sure to test all the lights and switches while I have everything accessible...
 
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