Q: Altering cart labels

[jhd7]

As you know, some labels are plain paper (many 2600) while others are 'plasti-coated' (most NES). The plain paper labels are easily ruined, while the coated labels can better prevent water & other types of damage. So here's the question:

If you could add a protective 'film' to the plain paper labels, would you do it?

Clear shelf (contact) paper is perfect for this. Simply peel & press to the label, then use an x-acto knife to trim the excess. If done right, the label is protected, has a nice shine, and seems factory-done. The problem: for better or worse, this is an alteration of the original cart. Once the clear film is added, it's permanent. There's no good way to return the cart to 'in the day' condition without ruining the label. I have no qualms about doing this procedure with homebrews and common carts, but what about rare carts? It's good protection, but an alteration that many may not even notice. What do you think?

Thanks,

Jeff D

[Daria]

What if you put something clear and non-sticky over the label first, then used the contact paper and secured that to the plastic edges around the label. Wouldn't look nearly as good but you could protect the label without destorying it.

Just brainstorming.

[Bratwurst]

I wouldn't do it to original labels, but it's an option for repairing carts that already have damaged stickers, or are missing them entirely. Print a new one, give it the coating, and voila, guilt-free application.

Speaking from experience, it's near impossible to trim off the exact amount of excess with exacto knives, plus you run the risk of gouging the cart plastic underneath. The ideal process is to get ahold of a print that hasn't been cut out yet, apply the protective film, then trim it so you get the excess plastic and paper in one go.

I have never heard of this clear shelf paper before, and will have to look into it strictly for curiousity sake. After much experimentation on my own I found that 1.6 mil polypropylene tape mimics the plastic film qualities found on most commercially printed labels- the matte-finish gloss found on old Gameboy and early GBA carts is some sort of shellac that is cured with UV lights. Got a bottle of that stuff from my days at a printing press company, yet to play around with it though.

[Dr. Morbis]

That's what I've done to all my NES repro's. I don't think I'd ever do it to an original cart label, but it's a great idea any time you're making/printing a label for a homebrew/repro.

[jonjandran]

What about laminating them ?

[rbudrick]

I say just coat the cart in glue. I did this to my NWC cart and all my protos.
:D

-Rob

I don't yet have an NWC cart