The playfield is the visual center of a pachinko machine and one of the easiest places to cause irreversible cosmetic damage. Before cleaning or straightening anything, identify whether the problem is dirt, wear, moisture damage, rust, lifting artwork or physical distortion.
Photograph damage in raking light
Side lighting can reveal raised graphics, scratches, dents and surface distortion that disappear in a straight-on photo. Keep these images with the machine's condition record.
Do not flatten every imperfection
Pins and mechanical features are part of the machine's tuned playfield. Bending components simply because they look uneven can change ball behavior or damage mounting points. Compare with documented examples before making adjustments.
Moisture deserves attention
Water staining, swollen board material, rust around fasteners or lifting printed layers can indicate deeper cabinet exposure. Stabilize the environment before cosmetic work.
Replacement graphics change originality
Reproduced art may make a display machine attractive, but it should be documented as a reproduction. For a collectible machine, preserving damaged original material can be preferable to replacing it with an undocumented modern print.