How To Clean and Wax Your Pinball Machine Playfield (2022 Edition)

It's been 4 years since I made my last video on this topic. Time for an update. I use a different wax now! Plus I go over other maintenance work.
Items mentioned or used in this video:
Wax
Blitz: www.pinballlife.com/blitz-car...
P21S: amzn.to/3McDpv8
S100: amzn.to/3t5K83m
Naptha: www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Str...
Glass Cleaner: amzn.to/3Ma34oq
Tire Wet: amzn.to/392JXPA
Microfiber Cloth: amzn.to/3x7N6qp
Novus 2: www.marcospecialties.com/pinb...
Novus 2: amzn.to/3m77Zfk
Metal Polishers
Meguiars: www.meguiars.com/automotive/p...
Blue Magic: amzn.to/3M9hXqT
Magic Eraser: amzn.to/3GMLLsn
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silverballswag.com/collection...
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#caryhardy #pinball #clean

[@WarriorTier]

Nice! It’s always intimidating for us new owners. Another A+++ video!

[@donjaun540]

Thank you for all the information. I have owned two pinball machines for years but I hardly play and definitely don't know what to clean or maintain. I own two of my favorites. Creature from the black lagoon and Terminator 2. Thank you 🙏

[@garrettn7928]

Yes yes yes, so hard with so much conflicting and subjective advice online to find out the right path to take. Appreciate the honest, first hand, and demonstrated advice.

[@juliusqueezer]

Just bought my first machine, a Black Knight 2000. Thanks for demystifying the cleaning and waxing experience. I'm feeling a lot more confident now!

[@joshnicholls8674]

Fantastic video! I’ve been looking for a synopsis like this for a while.

[@mikehough482]

Great advice. I also use the S100 wax and love it - reasonably priced and no residue. I even use it on my car. I also use all the other products you mention, but haven’t used Naphtha so I’ll definitely be giving that a try soon. Thanks for the great straight forward video - I definitely picked up a couple small new techniques from it.

[@cigarsandpins4781]

Love this. It’s clear and concise and accurate. I only buy new in box anymore so Naptha and P 21S do the trick for me. back in my restoration days I used some of the other options that you listed. Also love the Depeche Mode in the beginning! Classic

[@everythingexplored2364]

Really appreciate the tips, advice, and particularly for showing it all and not just talking about it

[@CapinCooke]

Yeah… Watching him work with the product was way more satisfying and helpful than just hearing about how to use the product. Kudos. Excellent video. Very helpful. I’m about to dive into a first time (for me, new owner) P. F. cleaning project on 2 old Gottlieb Wedgeheads. One (Kings and Queens) that I just purchased a week ago. I’m not sure that it, and the other old Wedgehead (Aquarius) have ever been cleaned. Ever. Wish me luck 🤞.

[@pfredflyer]

I just passed 400 plays on my first game and I've been microfiber swabbing everytime I see a ball trail or smudged post. I was just thinking about the first big clean so thanks for the perfect timing on the video Cary!

[@tntamusements]

Very thorough, Cary!

[@brunogaspar3977]

Thanks for the tips, really useful! Beautiful row of games 👍 Different and interesting setup from last time I’ve seen it…something tells me it will change furthermore in the future 😉

[@BrBill]

Thanks for breaking down the differences in modern vs. older game playfield maintenance. As a relatively new owner of a Stern table, this will be so useful to me. Cheers.

[@MasterOnion]

Same here - just ordered my first (non-virtual) pin, a Stern Godzilla Pro. I am using your shopping list here, and many other pieces of advice on your channel.

[@acemaker92]

(Hopefully) getting my first pin ever very soon from stern. Cleaning it properly and maintaining it was something I’ve been trying to make sure I’m prepared for. This was a big help thank you.

[@molarmedic]

Perfect intro music!! Love Depeche Mode!!!! oh and Great video you made for us too!!

[@freddierodriguez2608]

Your background is spectacular ✨️

[@happygilmore5591]

Thanks for the video..I am a new pinball machine owner and my game is dirty already so here I am . Just ordered every product you mentioned on Amazon. Will be here in a few days! Thanks for the great description on how to clean! Don’t worry (you aren’t😂) if I do something stupid it’s on me😳👍to be honest with you description of light pressure I am sure it will be fine. Thanks again! Singed NEWBIE

[@whipy9203]

Thanks for the tips! Would love to see a video about lighting. Cool vs warm LEDs, when to use them, but also something that goes over the various types and where to add them inside your machine. Something that explains and demonstrates the terminology, like frosted, clear, smd, flux, flashers, bayonets, etc etc.

[@jackpoulin6443]

Hey Cary, thanks for the great tips. I'm the proud owner of a latest built (October 2021) Willy Wonka LE. The game has 600 games played total. I tried Naphtha on the rubber/plastics and it worked like pure magic. For the ball trails, I was very disappointed though as Naphtha (the same brand that you use) did nothing at all. I rubbed pretty firmly 3 times (putting Naphtha on the microfiber cloth each time) and nothing changed. I guess that the only way to get rid of this problem (ball trails) is to use some light abrasive like Novus 2. Someone in the comments below suggested to use Rejex (a polymer wax-type protective product) in replacement for carnauba wax ... just wow, will never use wax again (been using high quality carnauba since 2007). It's WAY shinier, way stronger and durable and extremely easy to put on and you don't have to buff when you cleanly (no dust) and easily wipe off the haze 15 minutes later. Keep on the great work !

[@charlesp3764]

Excellent explanation and video.

[@TrashCanNinja87]

Just got my first machine this week. I picked up high speed 2 the getaway. Video helped me get my list of items to buy.

[@CaryHardy]

Feel free to check out my Getaway Series if you want to improve your games aethetics!

[@davidpadgett4013]

Thanks cary. about to completely take apart and clean up my pinball for the first time. Wish me luck.

[@CaryHardy]

You got this! I have another video about tearing a game down if you are interested.

[@manojmohan9667]

Awesome advice naphtha works like nuts game looks so much better !

[@TurboTanuki]

I love the blue and red lights under/behind the pinballs. Maybe a little JD patrol light influence? Such a good game.

[@darinswift490]

Being the Newbie that i am,, that was very useful. I appreciate that.

[@CaryHardy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@willslamin4597]

Great vid thanks for these tips

[@RcGuy4Life]

great tutorial, thanks

[@dayz112]

thank you for this video!

[@rizzlerazzleuno4733]

I have 98% EMs, but this was very useful. Thanks.

[@juanmanuelgarcia199]

Naphta is banned were I live so I use Isopropyl alc 99% and it works really well.

[@ajconstantine3593]

The most unbelievable dirt/grime/glue/stain remover I’ve seen in all my decades is called *”Un-Do”* which, like just about everything else, is banned in Commifornia! 😖 My friend in another state gifted me a bottle and I started laughing at how fast it vaporized stains & grime Goo-Gone or anything else on the market couldn’t TOUCH! 😵 I’d love to know if Cary’s ever heard of/used it (not on pins). I’m AFRAID to guinea pig it on a pin. You heard of it? 🤷‍♂️

[@andrewdolby178]

I love good old Mill Wax

[@CaryHardy]

It's not recommended anymore due to they tend to have silicone in the mix. I used to use it too.

[@-Gramps]

Thanks for the concise DIY video. Perfect for us that are new to pinball ownership. I noticed you were suggesting top grade types of carnauba wax. Has anyone tried the newer ceramic wax/protector products that are now suggested for top end cars with polymer clear coat? It supposedly leaves a micro bead layer of protection. I will investigate to see what info I can find.

[@CaryHardy]

I have looked a little into these ceramics, but never tried them...yet.

[@rcfreeman]

Nice video. I like to clean with Naptha and for even lighter cleaning I will use Novus 1 as desired. Instead of wax, I like to use Rejex, tougher than wax, a polymer protection that gives great shine easy to apply and engineered for ALL clear coats. Your game will play faster too.

[@jackpoulin6443]

Thank you so much for this great tip. Just put 3 coat of Rejex on my Willy Wonka LE and it's way shinier than wax and so much easier to put on and wipe off without any need to buff. The playfield almost look "wet" now, as if I have installed a thin glass over the clearcoat. Will never use wax again.

[@cyrusoverland8461]

Great video, Cary. I've basically cleaned my PF's along those lines. Two things: for glass cleaner, especially on my Voodoo glass, I use Sparkle Glass Cleaner, spraying it on the micro-cloth first then cleaning the glass. It seems to be the cleaner of choice for special glass. And was wondering what you thought about Wizards Mist and Shine to clean PF's. Some folks swear by it and I think I read that JJP gives all games a spray and wipe of Mist and Shine before the games are boxed. Best.

[@CaryHardy]

I haven't used it before. So curious to see how/why it's recommended though.

[@randallkipker9990]

Great tips... Try Glass Wax is my option... never streaks, easy on/off and last. Gel-Gloss No Streek Glass Wax Polish

[@nateypowpow707]

What jack are you using for your machines? Seems like a good one!

[@JJRyanOnAir]

Great information! What about cleaning dust when a pin is stored in a dusty environment like a garage for say a year or so? Is using a leaf blower (not on full speed) to blow on the top of the playfield to help kick any dust out ok?

[@CaryHardy]

I would hope that there is playfield glass keeping the dust from reaching the playfield. All you should need to do is wipe off the glass due to dust. Better to wipe away dust than to blow it out. That will only shoot the dust to other crevices and eventually be carried with the ball to other parts of the game.

[@rfz77]

Thanks 😀!!

[@PiratesCaveHaunt]

Loved the video. Does your strategy change at all if the playfield has the mylar protective layer on it?

[@CaryHardy]

Nope. Most playfields have it these days in certain spots. You can even polish mylar. Takes some effort, but it can be done.

[@AllPinballFanatic]

Question, if for a totally new machine You got outta box and want to add playfield protector right from the beginning, do You need to put wax on pf or not ?

[@Ben-en8pu]

Do the naphtha and wax method apply to a well maintained Mylar playfield as well? Thanks, great video.

[@CaryHardy]

yup. shouldn't be a problem.

[@NicholasDeOrio]

is there an alternative to naptha since it's been out of stock for a while?

[@SpookyDeCat]

Some of the older red shop towels are also very abrasive and will scratch your plastics.

[@RColes]

Thanks Cary. What do you use on your plastic ramps, Naphtha?

[@CaryHardy]

Yes. I have a video on flame polishing to make them even better too!

[@bomb9333]

So I naptha’d a brand new stern. Have not waxed. The balls seem to have an almost static feel. Guessing the balls are hitting possible dry spots. But water and a microfiber is good enough to clean the pinballs?

[@dayz112]

Hi, the Naphta thing, what is it ? i can't find some equivalent in Europe, and when i try to translate the words "thins / enamels " the google translate associates whit thickness ... :) This kind of product is used in what kind of things in general? Thanks

[@chadalexander1924]

Would you use Meguair's metal polish on your metal ramps? Because...I think that would look amazing.

[@CaryHardy]

Sure!

[@chadalexander1924]

@@CaryHardy Oh man, T3 is gonna look gorgeous 🤣

[@lucaspepke]

Cary, what would you recommend for some light ball trails that don't come up with a quick wipe down? Should I do a little bit of Novus 2 and then hit it with wax? Appreciate the video.

[@CaryHardy]

If naptha and microfiber doesn't cut it - then bump up the abrasion to the Novus 2.

[@lucaspepke]

@@CaryHardy thanks, man! Just picked up a nice Monster Bash SE, and I’d like to hit a few spots to make it look as good as Cactus Canyon. Appreciate it 😎

[@user-md7hn2jh6g]

Safest way to clean dmd screen?

[@CusiArcade]

Great video thanks. Just got my nib godzilla Saturday. Is there a trick to loosening the glass channels? I've had to take it off twice now and it feels like it's going to snap from all the pressure it's taking to get it out and back in.

[@CaryHardy]

It will loosen up over time. You could try adding some lubrication to the glass channel or the edge of the glass.

[@CusiArcade]

@@CaryHardy thanks I'll try lubing it up.

[@robertnava7777]

Now that Klean Strip has discontinued Naptha, what am I to use instead?

[@svenop]

Do you use any protectors for your shooter lane? Or how if anything do you protect that area

[@CaryHardy]

there are protectors out there online - I have not used them before though.

[@tomkirkner6692]

What do you think is better s21 or blitz? I just go my first pinball machine. It a 1977 bronco and it's in almost mint condition. Want to keep it that way.

[@CaryHardy]

Either one will do you just fine.

[@tylerglenn2565]

Are these items good to use on a old game with no clear coat? I’m doing a full restoration on a 1978 6 million dollar man barn find.

[@CaryHardy]

I have done an older EM before with the products. No issue. If you still feel weary then use the products in a small area first.

[@robcanini]

They don’t sell Naphtha in Calif is Novus 1 a good alternative anyone?

[@RB-go4yz]

Do you use or recommend wearing a respirator mask when using naphtha?

[@CaryHardy]

I don't use one. If you aren't in a well ventilated area - then sure, use one.

[@gladhand2215]

Carry I just bought jaws. So I should use novus one to clean it or naphtha and how often should I clean it? Thank you.

[@CaryHardy]

Naptha is perfect. only clean when you see fit. rubbers start getting really dark, ball trails are becoming obvious. etc.

[@Matias722]

Hi, I've bough my 1st pinball. A 1991 williams hurricane! It's very dirty, as and I'm from Argentina I can't find those products. Any recomendation for cleaning the playfield? Water and alcohol? cif?

[@CaryHardy]

Do NOT use water. Alcohol is best option if you can't find Naptha.

[@TiltingT]

Lol.your after shot still had dirty flipper rubbers.. haha..the playfield looked nice though.. I like the Pinhedz Black Ops Series for all my in between cleans or quick wipe downs before friends come over to play.. good cleaner that smells great and a cleaner/wax with no residue for upkeep that is one step.. its a cannula base wax that waxes and cleans but doesn't require a final wipedown

[@CaryHardy]

The rubber will cover that up. lol

[@TiltingT]

@@CaryHardyLOL yeah I bet!.. Hope you and your family had a great holiday

[@gopooalreadyplease5842]

Huh. I have never used novus on the backside of plastics. I will try this on some spares I have. I do everything you do but add in some novus action after the eraser. Seems to give it a deeper shine. What about glass that is dirty and scratched? Do/have you used OOOO steel wool?

[@CaryHardy]

No on the steel wool. Specify I use Sprayway for dirty glass in the video. Not much you can do if the glass is scratched awfully.

[@BrBill]

Also, 95% of the time it seems that nobody can see the dirty backs of those plastics anyway.

[@CaryHardy]

@@BrBill so, you're telling me there's a chance...

[@EsIstHartmann]

i use millwax and novus 2, i dont like naphtha because i probably got the wrong thing and killed my playfiled on a busted leathal weapon 3, i instantly installed a playfild protector when i got my twilight zone and i dont like poleshing the plastik protector with wax so i rub it down with novus and millwax.

[@CaryHardy]

Naptha wouldn't destroy a playfield - you might have grabbed something like acetone. Millwax isn't considered to be a better option anymore due to it having silcone - it also can be messy on posts if applied/handled poorly. To each their own though.

[@michaeltenzer4635]

Great video as always! Quick question for anyone out there. My JP premium right bumper starts popping in sync when I use my right flipper. Stops for a while after I restart the machine but eventually starts doing it again. Other than opening the opportunity of and endless high score, it is very frustrating. Anyone experience this? Thanks again for the great content!!

[@sooperzero4087]

Slingshot or pop bumper?

[@michaeltenzer4635]

@@sooperzero4087 the right pop bumper... Sorry just saw your response. Hopefully you know what’s wrong!

[@sooperzero4087]

@@michaeltenzer4635 I had the same issue with a slingshot. It turned out the rubber ring was too tight. So any vibration would set it off. I suspect it would be the same with your pop bumber. It could be on that fine line, where it's touching. There must be some sort of fail safe on newer stern machines to keep them from burning coils if the contacts are stuck on. ( Much like the fail safe for the EOS switches on newer Stern's) so try adjusting it out a bit 👍🏻

[@tysonh7116]

Cary, when are we getting another "my first skit"??

[@CaryHardy]

When I see a topic worth poking at and/or I get the time.

[@RafConUSMC]

I can’t find Naptha available at any hardware store anymore. Did it get replaced or upgraded to something else?

[@CaryHardy]

Should be in the paint department at Lowe's or Home Depot...

[@ashleelemon8625]

Shit I need a new playfield.. period.

[@txag007]

Man any recommendations for substitues for naphtha? Living in Colorado (California Jr) has essentially made it illegal to get in any stores.

[@CaryHardy]

What?! That's crazy. You able to order online? I'm seeing it on Amazon - not to mention other online stores.

[@txag007]

@@CaryHardy I was a aweful discovery today. Several stores have restrictions when you hit checkout. I found Woodcraft would ship it but man shipping is just as much as a quart! 0_o.

[@bigguish]

Hi :) What product you use to shine the entire outside cabinet ?

[@CaryHardy]

You can actually use the carnuba wax. If the cabinet is intact I would use the Tire Wet.

[@bigguish]

@@CaryHardy thank you very much :)

[@benjaminvohnsen6808]

VM & P Naphtha Repeated exposure may damage the nervous system

[@harvey66616]

Maybe you're mixing up naphtha and naphthalene. The latter is used in moth balls and does have deleterious effects on the nervous system. It's derived from naphtha, but naphtha's harms are mainly in terms of skin and airway irritation, and some possible carcinogenic effects. Even so, OSH regulations allow (according to Wikipedia) for exposure over a workday at a relatively low level (100 ppm). In other words, be careful with it, don't drink it or breathe it directly, but a few minutes of exposure every few months is probably not going to do any harm.

[@molarmedic]

Is Naptha safe on non mylar painted area of the playfield? If not what to use instead? I don't want to strip the paint. I am placing mylar on the playfield after I clean it up. This one has NO mylar on it.

[@CaryHardy]

Yes, naptha is safe on paint. Even newly applied acrylic paint. I use it all the time when clear coating and doing touch ups.

[@molarmedic]

@@CaryHardy TY so much for the relpy!!

[@Tiger2000Lion2005]

Use ceramic coat for playfield

[@tombettencourt8698]

Little spendy but so is a pinball machine. But if good enough for the aviation industry as far as wind screens and canopy's go it's good enough for me and works like a champ on all the plastics and vinyl graphics. If you get a chance give Plexus a try. Rubbers then nothing beats naphtha. Metal polish nothing beats elbow grease.

[@mikeyocain]

Does the Naptha remove previous layers of wax?

[@CaryHardy]

Yes.

[@mikeyocain]

@@CaryHardy gotcha thanks

[@svenop]

Will using naptha to clean the playfield remove mylar?

[@CaryHardy]

nope!

[@svenop]

@@CaryHardy Thanks! I used it on a pin without mylar and it cleaned so easily. Next is my friends GZ which had some mylar sections and I didn't want to ruin his mylar. You must be bust enjoying Foo! Nothing new this weekend

[@ray.a7343]

So u use naphtha on playfield? Doesn't it eat through the playfield? New to this don't want to use the wrong stuff

[@CaryHardy]

I doesn't damage your playfield. been using it for years.

[@ray.a7343]

@Cary Hardy thanks I have a collectors edition halloween pinball I want to clean up thanks. Ur videos are helping me out tremendously thank u!

[@drewpham9662]

Where do you buy new balls from?

[@CaryHardy]

Titan Pinball. Or if I have an order with Marco then I'll add them to my cart when getting other items.

[@Bunch007]

He says not to use shop towels 3:57.. But yet, here we are at 7:38 using them. So do we use them or not use them? Very contradicting.

[@CaryHardy]

I use microfiber in the entire video except this one segment. Why is that? I used that as an example to show you that naptha is all that I used. The shop towel can be easily seen as dry and then wet from the Naptha. While the microfiber can mask if I already have another chemical on the cloth. Nice try on the "Gotcha!"

[@Bunch007]

@@CaryHardy I'm not trying to "get" anybody. It's just a contradicting statement is what I found and brought to attention. It was just a question I asked and not a HAHAHA GOTCHA statement. Timestamps were for proof and not for "haha busted this liar and got'em" as you think.

[@Marko-R]

Hi.. where in europe could i buy naphtha???

[@gopooalreadyplease5842]

If you cant find it at home improvement stores, just get lighter fluid. Its the same thing, just costs more

[@Marko-R]

@@gopooalreadyplease5842 realy ? Fuel for zipo.?

[@retrograded9184]

Stern says to only use Novus 2 in the service manual. This surprised me since it is abrasive. Also, the Blitz wax is ridiculously hard to open. The container lid just sucks balls.

[@CaryHardy]

Probably because the use of Novus has no health risks. Naptha is combustible and harmful if not used in a ventilated area.

[@dannysmith4649]

I don't think you talked about waxing! Leaving us hanging

[@CaryHardy]

you didn't watch the last 5 mins?

[@dannysmith4649]

@@CaryHardy I thought I did haha. My bad

[@house9850]

DO NOT user magic eraser on stainless it will wreck the finish.

[@samm1462]

Naphtha is a petroleum solvent. Highly flammable and volatile. I wouldn’t use it. Have to gauge how dirty the surface is. Really dirty, I would use a soapy water on a damp rag, start there.

[@CaryHardy]

Water on wood - I would worry about that more... Unless you are cleaning your game near an open flame - the risk is very minimal (in a well ventilated area).

[@bheasy1]

Don't "clean" the back of your plastics, unless you want the artwork to rub off- frick! G.L. homie 🤞

[@CaryHardy]

Been doing it for years. The white layer is a protective layer - not the art. If you are missing that white layer then yes your art is vulnerable. If the coating is there - using the specified product is fine. Chances are if the white layer is gone - so is your art. No luck needed. homie.

[@beau6417]

Do not wax your playfield. Very rookie mistake. Cleaning with novus 2 is all you need, wax will make the ball start doing crazy things and put additional spin on the ball.

[@CaryHardy]

You are literally the only person I have ever heard say this. Cleaning with Novus is an abrasive material (as noted in the video) and doing so on every clean would eventually wear down your playfield. Whereas waxing adds a layer of protection. Following your logic seems like the "rookie mistake".

[@beau6417]

@@CaryHardy Seems like myself and tons of Industry Service and repairs guys disagree with you.

[@az_stan]

*Official counter* "By all means" = 29