Arcade Cabinet Side Art: What to Know Before You Buy

If you're restoring a classic arcade cabinet or building a custom one, side art is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. The right side art transforms a bare, worn-out cabinet into a showpiece. But with so many options out there, how do you choose? Here's everything you need to know.

1. Know Your Cabinet

Before anything else, identify your cabinet's make and model. Side art is not one-size-fits-all — dimensions vary significantly between manufacturers like Atari, Williams, Midway, and others. Measure the side panels carefully (height, width, and any curves or cutouts) before ordering. A perfect print on the wrong size template is a costly mistake.

2. Original vs. Custom Artwork

You have two main paths:

• Original reproduction art — faithful recreations of the factory artwork. Ideal for purists who want an authentic restoration. These are great for increasing the value of a classic cabinet.
• Custom artwork — original designs that reflect your personality or a theme of your choice. Perfect for MAME cabinets, bartop builds, or anyone who wants something unique.

At StickerSmith Arcade, we offer both — from faithful reproductions to fully custom designs.

3. The Material: Why Vinyl is the Right Choice

When it comes to arcade cabinet side art, vinyl is the gold standard — and for good reason. At StickerSmith Arcade, we print on 3 mil air egress vinyl, which features tiny air channels built into the adhesive layer. This makes application significantly easier by allowing air bubbles to escape during installation, giving you a smooth, bubble-free finish every time.

Every print is finished with a satin laminate that strikes the perfect balance between gloss and matte — vibrant colors without the glare, and a smooth, professional feel that holds up over time. The laminate also adds an extra layer of protection against scratches, UV fading, and everyday wear.

4. Getting the Right Fit

Even the best materials won't save a poorly sized print. Here's what to double-check before ordering:

• Panel dimensions — measure height and width carefully, accounting for any curves or cutouts
• Cabinet model — many manufacturers have multiple cabinet styles with different panel shapes
• Edge wrap — decide whether you want the art to wrap around edges or terminate flush

If you're unsure about sizing, reach out to us — we're happy to help you get the right fit before you order.

5. Don't Forget the Details

Great side art is about more than just the main graphic. Pay attention to:

• Color accuracy — does the print match the original palette or your custom vision?
• Artwork resolution — high-resolution files produce sharp, crisp prints at large sizes
• Installation prep — clean and degrease the cabinet surface thoroughly before applying for the best adhesion

Ready to Find Your Perfect Side Art?

Browse our full collection of arcade side art at StickerSmith Arcade — printed on premium air egress vinyl with a satin laminate finish, built to last and look great. Have a specific cabinet or design in mind? Contact us and we'll help you find the perfect fit.