Spy Hunter Decals

Due to some improperly executed efforts to remove the original mylar protectors from the Spy Hunter, I was left with some significantly damaged areas on the original playfield. These extended over a good portion of the playfield, and needed to be addressed before the playfield could be clearcoated. I decided to make up some large-scale decals to address the problems. This is not the ideal solution; it would have been better to hand-paint or airbrush each of the affected areas, but this would have been incredibly time-intensive, and we needed to move ahead on this project. So I used some original playfield scans, and used Photoshop to develop a number of decals to apply to various areas of the playfield. While the colors do not perfectly match the originals, they are very close, and I think are not detectable by the casual pinball player.

Each of the decal files in Photoshop is split into color layers (black, blue, red, yellow, white, etc.), so that the overall look of the artwork is blocked in solid-color sections, just as the silk-screened originals would have been. I test print a couple of sheets, and adjust the actual colors to better match the playfield. Since printers can't print the color white, but simply assume a white background, I use solid white background decal paper for the color and white sections, and clear background paper when I have some black lettering or highlights that should appear against a color background on the playfield.

After the laser printer has done its job, each of the decals needs to be carefully cut out. I use an exacto knife to remove the circular insert areas that need to be removed from the decals so that the lighted inserts will be visible through the decal. I soak the decals in water for about 60 seconds, and then very carefully apply and adjust the decals to the proper location.

I have done this before, but only for smaller areas. These decals are very thin, and take well to clearcoating, although using larger decals may eventually cause an adhesion problem. Best if we can sell this one quickly, then...