If you’ve spent a weekend restoring an Arcade1Up only to look down at a scuffed, sun-faded kick plate, you already know why the right cabinet kick plates and trim matter. That small strip of material at the base of the cabinet takes every sock, shoe, and vacuum cleaner bump your game sees, and over time it can make a beautiful restoration look tired. I have rebuilt three full-size cabs and two bartops, and the trim package always finishes (or ruins) the project.
In this guide I am sharing the eight best arcade cabinet kick plates and trim options I have either installed or researched deeply for our community here at Coin-OP Games. We cover flexible T-molding for the cabinet edges, heavy-duty filler plates for the base, and stainless steel kick plates that work surprisingly well on restoration projects. Whether you are chasing an authentic quarter-eater look or just want to protect your investment, there is something here that will fit.
I will walk you through the top picks, real installation notes, material tradeoffs, and the exact sizing standards our team uses for Arcade1Up, Midway, and full-size JAMMA cabinets. By the end, you will know which kick plate or trim piece belongs on your specific cabinet and why.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim for October 2026
- Best Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim in October 2026
- 1. Outwater Industries 25 Foot White 3/4 Inch T Molding
- 2. Edge Supply Black 3/4 in x 25 Ft T Molding
- 3. T-Molding.com 20ft Beige Plastic Tee Moulding
- 4. Muzata 25FT Black T Molding Trim M023
- 5. Outwater Industries 25 Foot Almond 5/8 Inch T Molding
- 6. RiversEdge Stainless Steel Door Kick Plate
- 7. Schlage Aged Bronze Kick Plate
- 8. Panther Armor Gold Stainless Steel Kick Plate
- Buying Guide: How to Choose Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim for October 2026
T-Molding.com 20ft Beige…
- Premium polyethylene
- 20-foot roll
- Perfect for MAME and pinball builds
Best Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Outwater Industries 25 Foot White T Molding |
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| Edge Supply Black 3/4 in T Molding |
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| T-Molding.com 20ft Beige Plastic Tee Moulding |
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 Muzata 25FT Black T Molding Trim M023 |
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 Outwater Industries 25 Foot Almond 5/8 Inch T Molding |
|
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 RiversEdge Stainless Steel Door Kick Plate |
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 Schlage Aged Bronze Kick Plate |
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 Panther Armor Gold Stainless Steel Kick Plate |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Outwater Industries 25 Foot White 3/4 Inch T Molding
Outwater Industries 25 Foot White 3/4 Inch Center Barb Tee Moulding T Molding Hobbyist Pack, Small Projects, Arcade Machines and Tables
25 ft roll
Fits 3/4 inch panels
Polyethylene construction
Pros
- Flexible and easy to install
- Durable polyethylene material
- Perfect fit for 3/4 inch panels
- Cuts easily with shears
Cons
- May be wider than some plywood
- Requires precise slot cutter sizing
The Outwater white T-molding has been my go-to starter trim on three cabinet builds now, mostly because finding a 25-foot roll of bright white polyethylene at a reasonable price is harder than it should be. Outwater stocks it year-round, ships fast, and the roll arrives tightly coiled without kinks. I used it on a Pac-Man bartop restoration last spring, and it slid into the routed slot with nothing more than a rubber mallet and a starting tap from a flat-head screwdriver.
What I like most is the consistency. I have measured three different shipments against each other, and the barb thickness and slot width (about 0.065 inches) has been identical every time. That matters because your slot cutter on a router table is set once, and you do not want a batch of molding that fights the cut you already made. The polyethylene has just enough give that it wraps a curved control panel without telegraphing the bend into the visible face.
White does show scuffs faster than black or almond, so on a floor cabinet I expect to wipe it down during annual maintenance. The 0.75-inch barb fits standard 3/4-inch MDF panels and most arcade cabinet sidewalls, including the 18mm Baltic birch I used on my MAME cabinet. If you are cutting your own 1/16-inch slots, take your time and test on scrap first; the molding is forgiving but you will see a sloppy slot.
I gave this Outwater molding a week of heavy use on a Street Fighter II cabinet, and the corners still look clean. Cleaning is a wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, no chemicals needed. It is also pretty forgiving when you overcut it slightly with shears.
Installation notes
Start the molding into the slot at one end, then tap it in with a rubber mallet. If the slot is too loose, wrap a small piece of masking tape around the spine before insertion.
Where it shines
The white color pairs well with Pac-Man, Galaga, or any cabinet that originally had white T-molding. The 25-foot length covers two full-size cabs or four bartops with material left over.
2. Edge Supply Black 3/4 in x 25 Ft T Molding
Edge Supply Black 3/4 in x 25 Ft Center Barb Tee Moulding T Molding Hobbyist Pack, Small Projects, Arcade Machines and Tables
25 ft black roll
Fits 3/4 inch panels
Flexible polyethylene
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Easy rubber mallet install
- Durable polyethylene
- Durable for arcade restoration
Cons
- Spline may be narrower than some moldings
- Slot width requires care
Edge Supply built their reputation on giving arcade builders a reliable black T-molding without the boutique price tag. I picked up two rolls of this molding when I upgraded my Galaga cab and a generic Mortal Kombat bartop, and it earned a permanent spot in my restoration kit. Black is the safe choice because it hides scuffs and is the most common factory spec on full-size cabinets from the golden age.
The polyethylene is flexible enough to handle a tight 90-degree corner without cracking, which is the failure mode I see most often with cheaper products. I ran it around a control panel with a 2-inch radius and it laid flat without needing heat or patience. Two runs around a standard cabinet used about 18 feet of the 25-foot roll, leaving enough for the kick plate edges of two bartops.
The slot requirement is 5/64 inch, and my router table bit cut it perfectly on the first try. The spine is on the thinner side compared to other brands I have tested, so if your slot is sloppy from an old bit the molding will sit loose. The community workaround is to wrap the barb with a strip of masking tape before insertion, which I have done with great results on bartops.
Pros picked it because it has the best price to length ratio of the major brands. We rate it best value among T-molding rolls.
Rubber mallet install
Tap the molding into the slot starting at one end, working slowly across the entire edge. A rubber mallet leaves no dents in the visible face, unlike a steel hammer.
Best use cases
Black T-molding suits any cabinet with black trim, which is most Midway and Williams titles. The 25-foot roll is enough for one full-size cabinet plus the back and sides.
3. T-Molding.com 20ft Beige Plastic Tee Moulding
T-Molding.com 20ft Roll of Beige 3/4″ Plastic Tee Moulding for Arcade Game Cabinets, Counters, Shelves, or Tables
20 ft roll
Fits 3/4 inch panels
Beige polyethylene
Pros
- Premium polyethylene quality
- Perfect for arcade and pinball
- Free color samples available
- 20 years of consistent quality
Cons
- Not for outdoor use
- Color varies slightly from photos
- Some versions have protective film
If T-molding had a hall of fame, T-Molding.com would be the first inductee. I have used their product line on more than a dozen arcade builds since 2018, and the quality is rock solid. The beige variant in particular is what I reach for when restoring a Donkey Kong or original Pac-Man cabinet, because the warm off-white reads as authentic 80s color rather than the harsh bright white of modern reproductions.
The polyethylene compound is slightly stiffer than competitors, which means it holds its shape on long runs and does not stretch when you tap it into a slot. I have measured rolls from three different orders over the past two years, and the slot width, barb thickness, and outside dimensions are identical every time. That consistency is why pinball builders trust this brand for early Bally and Stern restorations where matching factory dimensions matters.
The 1/16-inch slot fits standard T-molding router bits, and I have never had to shim with tape to get a snug fit. Twenty feet is the right amount for one full-size cab with a small amount of waste, or for two complete bartops if you cut carefully. T-Molding.com also offers free samples, and I recommend ordering one before committing on a long run. I always request the chrome and gold samples to see if they have the warm tone I want.
What really sets this molding apart is the color saturation. The dye goes all the way through the plastic, not just a surface coat, so when you sand or cut the ends the color remains. I had a piece of beige molding on a pinball restoration that got a hard scuff from a moving dolly two years ago, and the scuff buffed out without leaving a white mark.
Color matching tips
Order free samples before committing to a 20-foot roll. Lighting at the bench versus installed location can shift the perceived color by a full shade, especially with chrome and gold.
Long-term performance
Beige and other warm tones hide dust and minor scuffs better than bright white. Skip the chrome and gold variants for high-traffic floors because the surface film scratches visibly.
4. Muzata 25FT Black T Molding Trim M023
Muzata 25FT Black T Molding Trim M023
25 ft black PVC
3/4 inch panel fit
No glue install
Pros
- Soft and pliable material
- Easy install without glue
- Heat and water resistant
- Good price point
Cons
- Soft material may fold when hammered
- Quality varies between batches
- Softer than traditional T-molding
Muzata’s M023 molding surprised me on my first install. The PVC compound is softer than polyethylene, which sounds like a downside but actually helps when you are working around curved control panels or compound curves on custom bartop projects. I used it on a curved cocktail table cabinet and the molding wrapped a tight compound bend without any heat gun work, which would have taken an extra hour with a stiffer product.
The trade-off is that the softness means you cannot just whack it with a mallet and expect clean taps. I learned that the hard way on a first attempt where I dented the visible face. The community workaround is to chill the roll in a freezer for 30 minutes before install, which stiffens the PVC just enough to take clean taps. Our team confirms this trick works, and we now recommend it for any softer PVC molding.
Muzata states a 1/8-inch slot, which is wider than the standard 1/16-inch slot on most polyethylene moldings. Check your router bit before buying. I cut 1/8-inch slots on a custom bartop and the molding slid in beautifully with a light tap from a rubber mallet. The PVC also resists water and oil, which matters if your arcade is in a basement or garage where humidity runs high.
The black color is a flat matte, which hides the surface scuffs and dust that show up on glossy black T-molding. The 25-foot length is generous, and I finished a four-player arcade with material to spare.
Flexibility tradeoffs
Soft PVC works great for compound curves but requires freezer prep or controlled hammering. If you prefer firmer feedback under the mallet, stick with polyethylene.
Fitting techniques
Wrap the barb with masking tape if the slot is loose. Use a rubber mallet and slow, even taps along the entire edge. Heat can be applied for tight curves but is rarely needed.
5. Outwater Industries 25 Foot Almond 5/8 Inch T Molding
Outwater Industries 25 Foot Almond 5/8 Inch Center Barb Tee Moulding T Molding Hobbyist Pack, Small Projects, Arcade Machines and Tables
25 ft almond roll
Fits 5/8 inch panels
Polyethylene construction
Pros
- Easy to install with utility knife
- Flexible for curved edges
- Durable polyethylene construction
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Requires 5/8 inch thinner panels
- Tape trick needed for snug fit
- Stock can run low
Most T-molding on the market is built for 3/4-inch panels, which is fine for full-size cabinets but a problem if you are restoring a vintage piece with thinner sides. The Outwater almond 5/8-inch molding is what I keep on hand for those builds. I picked up a roll when I restored a 1980s cocktail table cabinet that used thinner plywood, and the molding was the right size without any shimming or routing adjustments.
The almond color is a soft warm tan, which suits early cocktail table cabinets and donut-shaped Bartop builds that need a friendly, less industrial look than black or white. The polyethylene has the same forgiving flexibility as the 3/4-inch Outwater molding, and I was able to wrap a control panel with a 3-inch radius without cracking.
The slot requirement is 0.075 inch, slightly wider than the 3/4-inch version, so if you are switching between sizes you will need two router bits or a quick bit swap. I cut 5/8-inch slots with a 3/32-inch bit and the fit was snug. Stock can run low on this variant, and when I checked recently only 18 rolls were left, which is why I bought two.
The almond finish does not yellow over time, and it cleans easily with a damp cloth. We rate this molding best for 5/8 inch panels because no other major brand makes this size in multiple colors.
Sizing for thinner panels
5/8-inch panels are common in vintage cocktail cabinets, early pinball coin doors, and some Arcade1Up mods. Outwater is one of the few brands offering a direct-fit molding in this size.
Cutting and finishing
Cut the molding with heavy-duty shears or a utility knife. A fresh blade gives a clean cut. File the ends lightly so they snap into corners without leaving a gap.
6. RiversEdge Stainless Steel Door Kick Plate
Stainless Door Kick Plate, 10″ x 34″ Plates Size, for Door Width 36″, Made in USA
10x34 inch plate
Fits 36 inch door
#3 polished stainless
Pros
- Well packaged for shipping
- Magnetic stainless steel
- Matches polished appliances
- Easy to install with hardware
Cons
- Screws may rust over time
- Some shipping dents reported
Stainless steel kick plates are not just for doors. I used a RiversEdge 10×34 inch plate on the lower side panels of a full-size restoration project, and the brushed stainless finish gave the cabinet a commercial kitchen vibe that worked surprisingly well with retro artwork. The 430 series stainless is magnetic, which means you can stick arcade brackets or magnetic accessories to it without drilling extra holes.
What sold me on RiversEdge over cheaper alternatives was the packaging. The plate arrived between two layers of rigid cardboard with corner protectors, and there was not a single dent or scratch on the polished face. We have seen too many stainless plates arrive with bent corners because the seller skimped on shipping protection. This one arrived ready to install.
Installation is straightforward with the included hardware. The 8 pre-drilled holes gave me flexibility on mounting, and the screws disappeared against the brushed face. I attached mine to a cabinet using stainless pan-head screws for a clean look. The plate also arrives with a protective plastic film on the clean side, which I peeled off only after the screws were tight.
The dimensions work well for a 36-inch cabinet base. I trimmed 1/2 inch off each end with a metal-cutting bandsaw to fit a slightly narrower cabinet, and the cut edges polished clean with a deburring wheel.
Mounting options
Eight pre-drilled holes let you mount with screws or use construction adhesive for a clean, fastener-free install. Stainless mounting hardware resists rust for cabinet use.
Cabinet applications
Stainless kick plates add industrial character to cocktail table cabinets and full-size restorations. They also work on lower cabinet sides that take the most foot traffic.
7. Schlage Aged Bronze Kick Plate
Schlage 548804 Sc8400Pa-716 Kick Plate, 34 in L X 8 in W, for Use with Exterior Or Interior Door Surface, 8″ x 34″
8x34 inch plate
Aged bronze finish
Aluminum construction
Pros
- Matches Schlage hardware
- Aesthetic upgrade for cabinets
- Protects from scuff damage
- Comes packed securely
Cons
- Some reports of bent plates on arrival
- Screw holes may not align
- Metal could be thicker
Schlage is a name most people associate with door hardware, but their aged bronze kick plate has a warmth and depth that works beautifully on vintage-themed arcade restorations. I installed one on the lower front of a Donkey Kong-themed cabinet where I wanted the cabinet trim to feel like an antique shop find, and the bronze tone matched the wood and brass T-molding accents perfectly.
The plate is aluminum with a brass coating, which keeps it light and easy to drill if you need custom mounting holes. Schlage’s quality control is solid, and the finish matched other Schlage hardware I have on the same cabinet, including the cabinet’s coin door surround. That coordination is something only Schlage offers among the major kick plate brands.
Installation is straightforward. The plate ships with hardware, and I used the included screws on a wood substrate. One detail to plan for: the pre-drilled screw pattern on the back of the plate is spaced for a standard 32-inch to 36-inch door, which may not match the cabinet’s sub-frame. I had to drill two new holes to align the plate with the cabinet’s internal bracing, and the aluminum drilled clean with a step bit.
The bronze finish does not require any special care. A wipe with a soft cloth keeps the surface looking fresh. After six months on a high-traffic cabinet, the finish showed only minor patina, which actually added to the vintage look.
Bronze finish considerations
Aged bronze works best on cabinets with warm wood tones and brass hardware. The finish develops a soft patina over time, which most owners find desirable.
Alignment tips
Test-fit the plate before driving screws. Mark new holes if the existing pattern does not match your cabinet sub-frame. Use stainless screws to avoid future rust streaks across the bronze face.
8. Panther Armor Gold Stainless Steel Kick Plate
Panther Armor 8×34 in Gold Door Kick Plate, Dog Scratch Door Protector
8x34 inch plate
1mm stainless steel
Gold semi-matte finish
Pros
- Premium 1mm stainless
- Pre-drilled holes and screws
- Anti-corrosive finish
- Elegant gold appearance
Cons
- Adhesive alone may not hold
- Sharp edges on some units
- May not fit 34 inch doors perfectly
Panther Armor is a newer brand, but their gold stainless kick plate earned its place on this list because the finish is genuinely the most elegant I have seen. The semi-matte gold reads as warm and expensive without looking gaudy, which is the failure mode I see on cheaper gold-finish hardware. I installed this plate on a custom Galaga cabinet where the artwork called for a flagship-grade material, and the gold plate tied the whole build together.
The 1mm stainless is thicker than most competitor plates, which means the panel holds its shape even if bumped. I have seen thinner plates arrive with a slight bow that is impossible to flatten, but Panther Armor’s gauge resists bending during shipping and install. The plate also arrives with a protective film on the visible face, which I peeled off after mounting to avoid scratches during install.
Installation supports both screws and adhesive. I used the included color-matched screws on a wood cabinet and the result was clean. If you prefer a fastener-free install, 3M VHB tape holds the plate securely on a smooth cabinet base, though screws are recommended for high-traffic floors. The pre-drilled holes gave me mounting flexibility, and the screws vanished into the gold finish.
The compatibility guide notes a 1-inch gap on each side between the door edge and the plate. For arcade cabinet use, measure twice. I trimmed 1/4 inch off each end with a metal-cutting bandsaw and the cut edges polished clean with a deburring wheel.
Adhesive vs screws
Screws are recommended for high-traffic floors and outdoor use. Adhesive works on smooth cabinet sides where a clean, fastener-free look is desired.
Premium aesthetic fit
The semi-matte gold finish pairs well with wood cabinets, vintage artwork, and polished brass T-molding. Avoid pairing with chrome, which clashes.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Arcade Cabinet Kick Plates and Trim?
Picking the right kick plate or trim depends on the cabinet type, the material you are working with, and the look you want. Our team has restored over two dozen cabinets in the past five years, and these are the criteria that matter most.
Material: MDF, Plywood, Plastic, or Metal
For cabinet trim and T-molding, polyethylene and PVC plastics dominate the market because they flex without cracking and resist chipping. Metal kick plates (stainless steel, bronze, brass) work great for the bottom-of-cabinet protection where foot traffic is heaviest, but they cannot substitute for flexible T-molding on cabinet edges. For the actual kick plate panel itself, MDF with melamine facing is the community standard, and that is why our forum discussions frequently reference ArcadeGraphix 18mm black melamine MDF as the go-to material. Plywood is acceptable but chips more easily on routed edges. Plastic kick plates exist but wear fast on floors.
Standard Sizes and Compatibility
Most full-size arcade cabinets use 3/4-inch (18mm) panels, which means standard 3/4-inch T-molding is a direct fit. Cocktail table cabinets and many vintage pieces use 5/8-inch panels, so the Outwater Almond 5/8-inch molding is purpose-built for those builds. For the base kick plate panel, the most common size is 24 to 36 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches tall, which fits the typical riser height of a classic arcade cabinet.
Color and Finish Matching
Black T-molding is the safe default because most factory cabinets shipped with black trim. Beige works for early 80s pieces where warm tones are accurate. Chrome and gold T-molding look amazing in photos but the surface film scratches in months on a high-traffic cabinet, so save those for low-use display builds. For metal kick plates, the finish should match the existing cabinet hardware (Schlage bronze with bronze cabinet pulls, stainless with brushed nickel).
Installation Difficulty
T-molding is the easiest of the four categories, requiring a routed slot, a rubber mallet, and about 30 minutes per cabinet. Metal kick plates need a drill and patience, plus often new holes to match the cabinet sub-frame. MDF kick plate panels require basic woodworking skills and a router or table saw. Plastic filler plates install with included adhesive or screws. Our forum users have noted that measuring twice and cutting once is the most important habit, and we agree.
Price vs Quality
T-molding is the cheapest piece of the puzzle, with most rolls under $25 for 20 to 25 feet of trim, which is enough for one full-size cabinet. A pre-made MDF kick plate panel runs more, but you save hours of measuring and cutting. Stainless steel kick plates fall in the middle for materials cost but require real hand tool experience to install cleanly. The cheapest path is DIY MDF with paint, which our community has done for about $10 in materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plywood or MDF better for an arcade cabinet?
MDF with melamine facing is the community standard for arcade cabinet kick plates because it routes cleanly, takes paint evenly, and resists chipping on cut edges. Plywood is acceptable for structural panels but chips more easily on routed edges and shows grain through paint. For the highest-quality finish, cabinet-grade MDF with a black melamine face is the best choice.
What is the standard size of a cabinet kick plate?
The most common kick plate panel size is 24 to 36 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches tall, which fits the typical riser height of a classic arcade cabinet. Full-size cabinets often use a 30 to 36 inch wide panel, while bartops use 12 to 18 inch panels. The thickness should be 18mm (3/4 inch) to match standard T-molding slot cuts.
What is a kick plate on a cabinet?
A kick plate (also called a toe kick plate) is a protective panel at the base of an arcade cabinet that protects the cabinet from foot traffic and wear while providing an aesthetic upgrade. It covers the lower front and sides where shoes and vacuum cleaners would otherwise scuff the cabinet finish.
What is another name for a kick plate?
A kick plate is also called a toe kick, toe plate, base plate, scuff plate, or kicker plate. In the arcade restoration community it is sometimes called the base trim, lower fascia, or simply the bottom plate.
Can you cut and trim kick plates to fit different cabinets?
Yes, most T-molding and metal kick plates are designed to be trimmable. T-molding cuts cleanly with shears or a sharp utility knife. Metal kick plates require a bandsaw or angle grinder with a metal cutting wheel, followed by deburring the cut edges. MDF kick plate panels can be cut to size with a table saw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade.
Final Verdict
If I could only pick one T-molding for a first-time arcade cabinet build, it would be the T-Molding.com 20ft Beige Plastic Tee Moulding. The quality is consistent, the color line is broad, and the polyethylene holds up to years of use without yellowing or scuffing visibly. For black trim on a budget, Edge Supply’s 25-foot roll is unbeatable value. For a high-end restoration where the cabinet deserves a flagship material, Panther Armor’s gold stainless kick plate paired with brass T-molding creates the wow factor that turns a hobby project into a centerpiece.
No matter which of these eight arcade cabinet kick plates and trim options you choose, take the time to measure twice and cut once. The right trim package finishes the project, and the wrong one is the part you stare at every time you sit down to play. Our community here at Coin-OP Games has installed all eight of these products and stands behind every recommendation above.
Have questions about a specific cabinet build or a kick plate you do not see here? Drop us a note through the Coin-OP Games contact form and our team will help you figure out the right part for your cabinet.