How to Paint if laminate not available

[rmusick]

Hey everyone need some advice. I live in Atlanta, Georgia- and would you believe that laminate doesnt seem to be available.  I have contacted Lowes and Home Depot, and they don't have it.  My only other option now is to paint.  But I want it to look good,  Any Suggestions?

[level42]

Uh, what cab, what color ?

[rmusick]

Space Ace/Dragons Lair Black

[ataritoobin]

I believe this is generally accepted as the closest match for DL cabinets (I personally haven't compared!):

http://www.quarterarcade.com/Game.aspx/4479

EDIT: See also: http://members.cox.net/samsarcade/Dragon_s_Lair_vinyl.html

[rmusick]

well, I really didn't want to use the Peel and stick stuff,  I just figured it was too easy to mess up,  I know I would have the same thing with paint, but At least I can touch it up.

[Blanka]

Make 2 test strips: paint one vertically and the other horizontally. Some paint types flow better under gravity, others when flat.
Paint naked (well just in shorts), with a hair net, and between wet bed sheets or something. This will keep the area around the object dust free, and thus deliver a nice smooth layer.
Use the correct roller for the paint. Don't get a cheap one, just get the best.
Buy quality paint. Don't know about the US options, but here I have very good experience with Sigma S2U Satin.

[Etienne MacGyver]

DL does not need laminate or paint, it needs vinyl IMHO.

[Mickey_Moose]

I believe this is generally accepted as the closest match for DL cabinets (I personally haven't compared!):

http://www.quarterarcade.com/Game.aspx/4479

EDIT: See also: http://members.cox.net/samsarcade/Dragon_s_Lair_vinyl.html

That is what I used and it was fairly close to vinyl pattern that was on the cabinet in the first place.

Outside vinyl applied (actually I ended up doinf the insides as well - only real way to hide all those extra screw holes from the cabinet conversions):


Done:



IMHO, it doesn't really look right with just paint, but each to thier own.

edit to add - I believe Twisted Quarter also sells the vinyl.

[DarthNuno]

Vinyl is not so hard to apply...



...check this post where I show in pictures all the steps 

[rmusick]

Ok, I just want to make sure its Durable,  For instance I don't want to scratch/ or snag it when something rubs against it.  Like i said I can always touch up paint, but if Vinyl is durable I will go with that.

[rmusick]

Hey Bruno, or someone that has restored or constructed a DL/SA Cabinet, how much vinyl should I order? For both sides outside and inside(that is visable) the inside top, and the speaker mounts and the front?  Sorry I am at work so I can't measure right now.
Thanks

[Mickey_Moose]

Hey Bruno, or someone that has restored or constructed a DL/SA Cabinet, how much vinyl should I order? For both sides outside and inside(that is visable) the inside top, and the speaker mounts and the front?  Sorry I am at work so I can't measure right now.
Thanks

10' will do 1 side inside and out - providing you are careful with your cutting, another 5 feet should cover the rest - so 25' total, but this leaves not much for a margin for error and you have to plan out your cuts (this also assumes you get it from Quarter Arcade, I know other suppliers sell in different widths, so this would change).