Restoring yellowed computer plastic

Andrew Sutton · January 04, 2010, 11:01 AM

I've been doing research on the 'Net about restoring the plastic on old computers. I came across this forum detailing "Retrobrite". I plan to try this on a C64 I picked up on Saturday for $20.

http://www.amibay.com/showthread.php?t=1480&highlight=retrobrite

Blacklord · January 04, 2010, 11:33 AM

This has been discussed here and there's an article here.

Andrew Sutton · January 04, 2010, 12:43 PM

Oops! Sorry about that, maybe I should have read a little "deeper" on this site!;)

Blacklord · January 04, 2010, 01:10 PM

Quote from: Andrew Sutton on January 04, 2010, 12:43 PM
Oops! Sorry about that, maybe I should have read a little "deeper" on this site!;)

Nah

Just pointing out some relevant posts!

Andrew Sutton · January 05, 2010, 11:48 AM

OK, Got some Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), Oxy Clean, and a UV light for my C64 "restoration". Wish me luck!!

Blacklord · January 05, 2010, 12:26 PM

Quote from: Andrew Sutton on January 05, 2010, 11:48 AM
OK, Got some Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), Oxy Clean, and a UV light for my C64 "restoration". Wish me luck!!

I have to do the same to my D's keyboard

The keyboard case is yellowed as are some of the keys (but not all). The risk is I'll take of the stencils - anyone know where I can get replacements ?

quarkx · January 05, 2010, 01:04 PM

Quote from: Andrew Sutton on January 05, 2010, 11:48 AM
OK, Got some Hydrogen Peroxide (3%), Oxy Clean, and a UV light for my C64 "restoration". Wish me luck!!

I Hate to say this, but 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, (might not) won't do the trick, I have tried with no results, From all I have read on the subject, it must be between 10-15%. its the big problem I have been trying to hunt down. All I can find is just 3% myself. Here is Canada, they look at you like your a threat if you try to find a stronger solution. But, just because my results were nothing, doesn't mean you wont succeed.

As for a Stencil solution, you can always go to an art supply store and get a "rub" on stencil of numbers and letters and cover it with a clear coat of paint, this is done after the retro-brite step.

Andrew Sutton · January 07, 2010, 12:30 PM

It didn't work that well, but I did dillute the H2O2 in water with OxyClean... I picked up 40 Volume Cream Developer from Sally Beauty Supply for $4.00. I just brushed it on and used the incandescent UV bulb. Had to reapply cream every couple hours. The results are pretty good, the yellowing has definitely been removed. It's not perfect like some of the pics at "Retr0brite", but not bad!