How did Atari apply side art to Arcade Cabinets?

Article excerpt

Atari's arcade cabinets featured distinctive side art that became iconic in 1980s game rooms, but the manufacturing process behind those graphics remains largely undocumented. The article explores the technical methods Atari likely employed, screen printing, decals, and hand-applied artwork, to affix colorful side panels to wooden cabinet frames. Different games required different approaches, with some using pre-printed vinyl wraps while others featured hand-painted details. Understanding these techniques illuminates both the craftsmanship involved in arcade cabinet production and how visual design contributed to Atari's dominance in the era.