Data East Star Wars – Playfield Cleaning

Cleaning the playfield. Summary of the steps to clean and maintain the playfield, from the Pinside thread “Cleaning and Waxing Pinball Machines” started by vid1900

This cleaning I removed the 2 habitrails and the Death Star. The habitrail for the center ramp has a switch to be removed to completely remove the wire so it can be cleaned. The Death Star needs to be removed to reach the top of the inner right loop.

The scoops (Force Scoop and Sarlacc Pit) should be removed and cleaned periodically. Both have been cleaned recently when putting in Cliffy’s Protectors, so I did not do that this time.

R2-D2 should be completely removed to clean behind and under. Also the trail under the Death Star should be removed and cleaned, like the scoops. I did neither this time.

Tools:

1. Remove anything that needs to be removed. This won’t be much for a regular cleaning, as focus is on the areas the ball touches. For a more thorough cleaning, this could be all plastics, rubbers, and ramps.
2. Vacuum with a brush attachment.
3. Wipe down with a dry cloth.
4. (optional–every second or third cleaning) Wipe down with cleaner, Simple Green car wash, on a clean cloth. Never applied directly to the playfield. Water-based cleaners are used sparingly.
5. (optional–as needed) Wipe down with naphtha, Ronson lighter fuel, on a clean cloth. Never applied directly to the playfield. This is to remove playfield wax.
6. (optional–as needed) Wipe down areas with Novus 2 fine scratch remover on a clean cloth. Never applied directly to the playfield. Removes scratches and ball marks. Use only where needed. Use naphtha to remove wax first.
7. (optional–after using naphtha or Novus) vacuum and wipe down with a dry cloth.
8. (optional–every 6 months and after using naphtha or Novus) Wax everywhere the ball touches.
   1. Wax with One Grand Blitz carnauba wax, very thin layer applied with a clean cloth.
   2. Allow dry for 30 minutes.
   3. Buff with a clean cloth.
   4. Vacuum with a brush attachment.
9. Clean any removed or exposed metal (habitrails, scoops, etc) with Simichrome metal polish
   1. (optional–as needed) Spot clean with Quick-Glo metal cleaner and rust remover
10. Oil gates (center ramp, upper loop) with 3 in 1 multipurpose oil, 1 drop applied by toothpick.
11. Reassemble and game on!

Note: Magic Eraser will remove the clear coat. Don’t use unless putting on new later of clear.