Hi All:

I know this is not related to B&O at all. However, I do not want to join a woodwork forum only to have one question answered thus I thought I would ask here first:

 One of my other interests is the collecting of video games and consoles. I have recently seen a Pac Man arcade cabinet that I can now accommodate in my house. It is original - from the late 70s/early 80s. The problem is that it needs re-veneering. I would like to get it done by someone who knows what they are doing and I am happy to pay. I would like it re-done in Walnut.

 I would do it myself. However, I have never been good with craft related things. I am aware you can get iron on stuff but I remember my grandmother having some of this to do a TV table and it looked rubbish and kept peeling off.

Does anyone know where I would start on such a project?

Graham, I too am like you, useless at woodwork. In fact on my school report when I was fifteeen my woodwork teacher wrot "Andrew is a complete waste of space"
However, I just successfully re-veneered a Beogram 1102 using just a Stanley knife and Evo-stick and a hefty weight to keep it pressed on.
If I can do it, anyone can.
I suggest getting more veneer than you need, if you make a hash of the first bit, it will come off fairly easily after two hours.....but not the morning after!!

Andy T.

Hi Graham -

I'd suggest you take photos of your arcade cabinet and send it to someone who specialises in retail or kitchen fitouts. They usually work with veneers and a walnut finish is very common.

The shopfitter would probably use very coarse sand paper to sand back the exisiting veneer and then place on top the new veneer. If you're trying to achieve the retro look then the walnut veneer should be fine, however may I suggest you consider doing a two-pack lacquer finish instead? It'll give you more bang for your buck! 

 It might be worth investing in a stipple finish on the walnut veneer to avoid leaving finger prints on your machine.

Hi:

Thanks for your advice - so you reckon a small Kitchen company or cabinet makers (obviously not Magnet).

 What is a two-pack laquer finish (no idea)?

I will let you know how I get on. This maybe expensive but I reckon it will be the better option than me venerring it myself as I envision it looking like the Chuckle Brothers did it!

2 pack polyurethane or epoxy i think - if using epoxy ensure it has uv inhibitors or the coating will deteriorate in time - poly u more robust

tony s