A playfield protector protects the playfield of your pinball machine from ball marks, wear and tear, and damage. This can be a sensible investment, particularly for new machines or especially valuable collector’s items.
We’d be happy to advise you on whether such a playfield protector is suitable for your pinball machine and, if you wish, we can also carry out the professional installation.
For most pinball machines, we charge $300, including the playfield protector and fitting.
For certain models that require significantly more work (often the case with Jersey Jack Pinball), the price may vary. We’d be happy to provide you with a quote in advance for these.
Why use a playfield protector?
The playfield is the part of the pinball machine that is subjected to the most wear and tear. With every game, the pinball causes minor damage such as impacts, roll marks and abrasion.
A playfield protector safeguards the original playfield surface and helps to maintain the playfield’s condition over the long term. This playfield protector is a very thin sheet of durable, high-gloss plastic which protects all parts of the playfield that come into contact with the ball.
The playfield protector is placed on top of the playfield and is not glued to it, so it can be easily removed or replaced without leaving any marks.
How does a pitch protector work?
The Playfield Protector is manufactured to fit the specific pinball model precisely and is placed on the playfield.
It forms an additional protective layer over the original playfield surface and helps to reduce ball marks, scuffs and other signs of wear. Areas of the playfield that are subject to particularly heavy wear benefit from this extra protection.
The Protector is not glued down but simply rests on top of the playfield. This means the original surface remains unchanged and the Protector can be removed again if necessary.
Once fitted, the playfield remains fully accessible. For many pinball owners, the Playfield Protector offers a way to maintain the condition of their playfield in the long term without making permanent alterations to the machine.
Frequently asked questions:
Installing this is particularly useful on new pinball machines. The playfield is still in its original condition and can be protected straight away, before the first signs of wear and tear appear.
Yes. The Protector is not stuck on and can be removed if necessary. This leaves no adhesive residue on the playfield. The installation is designed to ensure that the pinball machine retains its original condition.
Once fitted, the Playfield Protector is usually barely noticeable during normal play. The transparent material has been specially developed to preserve the appearance of the playfield as much as possible.
The Playfield Protector is fitted immediately before the new pinball machine is dispatched. This ensures that the original playfield is protected right from the very first game. Many customers opt for this solution to minimise scuffs, dents and signs of wear right from the start.
Yes. Particularly with new machines, it is advisable to fit the Playfield Protector before playing the first few games. This ensures that the original playfield is protected right from the start and the pinball machine can be delivered ready for immediate use.
We’d be happy to carry out the professional installation for you. We usually charge $300 for this, including the Playfield Protector and installation.
Extra protection for the shooter lane
The shooter lane is one of the areas of a pinball machine that is subject to particularly heavy wear and tear. Special shooter lane protectors are therefore available for many models.
They protect the area around the ball launch from wear and tear and can be fitted either independently of the playfield protector or in combination with it.
You can find more information on our page – Shooter Lane Protector.
Fitting at Pinball Garage
Depending on the pinball model, numerous components must be removed from the playfield in order to fit a Playfield Protector. These include, for example, ramps, plastics, flipper fingers, gates and other playfield elements. Only then can the protector be fitted with a precise fit.
All the components that were removed are then refitted and the relevant areas are carefully checked. As part of this process, we inspect switches, targets, bumpers and other playfield elements, and make any necessary adjustments where required.
Particularly with new machines, many customers choose to protect the playfield right from the start. That is why we regularly fit protectors to new Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball and other current pinball models.
Please note!
Moisture marks (wet spots) under the protector
On some pinball machines, so-called ‘wet spots’ may become visible after installation. These are areas between the playfield and the protector that appear damp, dark or slightly streaky.
Such phenomena can occur particularly with newer pinball machines. They are usually caused by components in the clear coat that are still outgassing or by tiny air pockets between the playfield and the protector. The term ‘wet spot’ has become established in the pinball community, although these areas are not caused by water ingress.
Depending on the pinball machine model, these may be barely noticeable or clearly visible. Important to note: wet spots are not a defect in the playfield protector or the playfield itself. The protective function remains fully intact. Nevertheless, you should try to remove these areas.
Removing wet spots
In many cases, wet spots can be reduced or completely removed by carefully blowing air between the playfield and the protector. To do this, air is gently blown between the protector and the playfield so that trapped air or moisture can escape. Compressed air is best suited for this; alternatively, a hairdryer (on the cool setting only!) or a small electric dust blower can be used.
As long as the clear coat has not yet fully cured, the damp spots may reappear later. In this case, the process can simply be repeated. Once the playfield has fully cured, the spots usually do not reappear.
Our experience shows that wet spots occur more frequently on some pinball machines than on others. They are a well-known and technically harmless side effect.