Painting plastics?

[Mrtoad]

Hi,

has anybody ever painted a ball tray and if so did it hold up? I was considering painting the dark green lower ball tray on my Sanyo but only if it would hold up to ball traffic. Has anybody ever done something like that before and was it a mistake? I would not mind changing the color but not at the expense of durability. Rustoleum has primer and paints meant for plastics but not sure constant beating from balls would damage it.

Thanks,
Mike

[JACKSJE4]

In my personal experience, paint on the plastic pieces where Pachinko balls will travel is not a good idea. The paint will eventually wear away and possibly get tracked through the machine.

I like to shine the plastic ball trays up, first using #0000 steel wool to smooth rough spots, then a good plastic polish and lots of elbow grease to make it look like new again.

[emmadog]

I've done it using auto body type adhesion promoter (Bulldog) and enamel paint on the coin trays of a couple arrangeball machines. It's held up great with no wear but these machines don't experience near the amount of wear as they don't pay out much in comparison. If you go this route, I'd maybe clear coat it with a couple of coats.

[mcclad]

In my many years or experience painting everything under the sun, the only thing that I would consider using would be a sign paint enamal. One that can be thinned or cleaned up with water. That stuff is like armor when it is fully dried. If you used a laquer based paint it might not dry properly. Even though the sign paint is very tough, I still would not paint a ball tray. Just my 10 cents.

[Mrtoad]

Thanks both. I will think about it but thinking will hold off because of the concern of it not wearing well. I will clean it up and am sure will be happy with it in the end. I would prefer it was a different color but that's ok

thanks again,
Mike

[mxfaiman]

I have painted one of those trays. I used the rustoleum plastic paint. So far it has held up pretty darn well.

[Mrtoad]

I have painted one of those trays. I used the rustoleum plastic paint. So far it has held up pretty darn well.

Hmm so now I wonder if I should do it. How long ago did you do it? Has it had a lot of play? Did you remove the metal trim prior? I was looking at how to take it off without damaging it. Thx!

[mxfaiman]

Hmm so now I wonder if I should do it. How long ago did you do it? Has it had a lot of play? Did you remove the metal trim prior? I was looking at how to take it off without damaging it. Thx!

It has been at least 3 months. The machine has had a lot of play. Actually the tray already has the usual dirt marks in it. I left the aluminum on and taped it up really good. Also I used plastic primer then the plastic paint.

[Mrtoad]

It has been at least 3 months. The machine has had a lot of play. Actually the tray already has the usual dirt marks already in the tray. I left the aluminum on and taped it up really good. Also I used plastic primer then the plastic paint.

Thanks! That sounds like it is holding up fine then. I think I will be daring and do it. Thank you very much!

Mike