Refinishing Metal Arcade Game Parts

A key part of any arcade game restoration are the metal parts that make up the cabinet. Often when you begin restoration on an arcade game the parts will be rusted, or the original coating difficult to remove.

This instructable will detail a safe way to remove - and even reverse - rust and paint on metal objects.

For this demonstration I've got two pieces: a coin door from a Donkey Kong upright cabinet, and the inside panel from a Centipede Mini upright cabinet.

Step 1 Gather your materials

You need a source of DC power. Some people who like to use this method use a car battery charger because it can handle a heavy load. I don't have one of those, so I use a standard Peter Chou power supply.

You also need a container large enough to hold your piece. If you can't completely submerge it, that's okay, you can always flip your piece around from time to time. You must note though that only surfaces that are submerged in the electrolyte solution will have any reaction.

You need an electrolyte. Most people like to use sodium carbonate (washing soda). Not to be confused with sodium BIcarbonate (baking soda). Available in most supermarkets in the laundry aisle. I didn't have any, and couldn't find it right away, so I used lye. If you DO use lye, be very cautious! It's caustic and will burn you. Once it's diluted in water it's less of an issue, but take precautions!

Lengths of wire to hook up to your power supply. If you use a car battery charger this isn't necessary, as it's included in the unit. I used a couple old lamp cords. One I left the plug on (for obvious reasons) the other I bared the ends. At first I was using alligator clips to clip onto the pieces, but they started degrading quickly because I had them in the solution. I started using clothespins after that.

A sacrificial piece of steel. Could be just about anything. Right now my piece of choice is the hood to an old florescent lamp. DO NOT USE STAINLESS STEEL. It contains chromium, which is toxic, and will leach into the solution as the piece degrades. For smaller pieces I've used a nail.

Comments

[Phyrosis]

i love you.... seriously... i have some old tools that i found buried in my backyard from the people that owned the house that will benefit from this, as well, my arcade cabinets that i rescued from the dump need some work and an old steely computer case will work as a wonderful sacrifice!

[MT-LB]

I think this would be better classified as "refinishing metal parts". It'd attract more attention.

[Peale]

The keywords are all still there, there are just more of them.  :)