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Stuff to Clean Old Plastic

KleptoKlepto
edited July 2010 in Chit chat
I read somewhere, it might have been here even, about a chemical that can be used to restore aging plastic to it's former colour. I have been working on a project to fit a mini-ITX motherboard in to an old C64 case. I gutted an old C64 that didn't work for the project but the plastic of the old case is looking like somebody has been blowing nicotine laden smoke at it for 20 years (maybe the have, it was from eBay). I am also going to use the Keyrah device so that the original C64 keyboard will work with this PC (cool).

I would have tried doing this with an original Speccy case but I don't think you can get it all to fit in a rubber key or + Speccy and I don't like the look of the Amstrad ones. Also the people that make the Keyrah only make them for Commodore machines, so without some serious modding I don't know if it is possible to get an ITX board to work on the original Speccy keyboard.

Anyway, anybody remember what the stuff to clean plastic is called?
Post edited by Klepto on

Comments

  • thx1138thx1138
    edited July 2010
    A very special blend of superglue mixed with petrol might work



    (it probably won't though ) LOL
  • MinerWillyMinerWilly
    edited July 2010
    Retrobright?

    http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/
  • KleptoKlepto
    edited July 2010
    Looks like the stuff! Thanks.
  • Paradigm ShifterParadigm Shifter
    edited July 2010
    I recommend either Jizzremove or Wank-o-gone.
    Currently released version of SJOE: https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/index.php?cat=96&id=42215
  • KleptoKlepto
    edited July 2010
    Paradigm Shifter wrote: »
    I recommend either Jizzremove or Wank-o-gone.

    I doubt anybody has ever got that excited about a C64 to need something like that. ;)
  • Dave FountainDave Fountain
    edited July 2010
    I've got the perfect tool for faded plastic, it's called a bin.
  • Scottie_ukScottie_uk
    edited July 2010
    sugar soap works well too.
    Calling all ASCII Art Architects Visit the WOS Wall of Text and contribute: https://www.yourworldoftext.com/wos
  • AndyCAndyC
    edited July 2010
    Scottie_uk wrote: »
    sugar soap works well too.
    Interesting. I might here to try that, it seems easier to get hold of than making that RetroBright stuff. I have some old white Lego that has yellowed with age and could do with something to restore bits rather that always sourcing replacements.
  • Scottie_ukScottie_uk
    edited July 2010
    Yeah you'll be surprised how expensive cleaning products are actually based on simple ideas that are promoted as new.


    For example: Vanish Stain Remover and Shake and Vac. The same results can be obtained by bi-carbonate of soda. Infact I sure that bi-carbonate of soda is the main active ingredient of Vanish and Shake and Vac, but you could never tell by reading the ingredients unless you were a chemical scientist.
    Calling all ASCII Art Architects Visit the WOS Wall of Text and contribute: https://www.yourworldoftext.com/wos
  • beanzbeanz
    edited July 2010
    Hmm never heard of sugar soap.....I see it comes in liquid/power/bar.

    So you just mix a batch up and soak the plastic in it?....have you actually tried it and does it get rid of yellowing like retrobrite does or just clean off the gunk.
  • grey keygrey key
    edited July 2010
    Mr muscle window cleaner is great for removing stains, especially nicotine, on most non absorbant surfaces. Also yes scottie_uk, most of the modern cleaning cleaning products are based on very simple old fashioned household cleaners, including Bi-Carbonate of soda, Lemon juice, white vinegar, peroxide etc. Just like toothpaste is mostly chalk, glycerine, mint oil. Shoe polish, beeswax, soot. Interesting to note that Bleach can`t be neutralised by water, only by Sulphuric Acid, which can then be neutralised by lots of running water.
    Every time I read that the oldest person in the world has died, I have to do a quick check to see it isn't ME..........
  • Paradigm ShifterParadigm Shifter
    edited July 2010
    So I'm wasting money on Jizzremove and Wank-o-gone then? What about Concentrated Cumblitz? And Super Spunk Sparkler?
    Currently released version of SJOE: https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/index.php?cat=96&id=42215
  • guesserguesser
    edited July 2010
    we've had this conversation several times, and it came up pretty recently too.

    that retrobright formula has been very carefully considered by forum boffins after some thorough chemistry research on the chemical composition of old ABS plastic including someone contacting a bloke who works in a plastic factory. There's more to it than just cleaning, this is chemistry. :smile:
    My rubbish website including the redrawn Amstrad schematics and the Sinclair Wiki.
  • beanzbeanz
    edited July 2010
    Shame you can't buy that retr0bright stuff in a premade state.
  • KleptoKlepto
    edited July 2010
    It doesn't look very difficult to make though, especially with the instructions on that site.
  • beanzbeanz
    edited July 2010
    Let us know how it goes if you mix some up and how many fingers you lost.

    I might have a go if you have good success. I know I looked at the instructions a year or 2 back and thought it sounded a little dangerous for a cack handed fool like me
  • KleptoKlepto
    edited July 2010
    Yeah, I'll let you know. Need to finish the insides of this C64/PC and then if it all works (better bloody work), I'll mix some up.
  • AndyCAndyC
    edited July 2010
    beanz wrote: »
    I might have a go if you have good success. I know I looked at the instructions a year or 2 back and thought it sounded a little dangerous for a cack handed fool like me

    Same here. I don't question the science, I'm sure it's probably the very best way of doing this. It is my own competence at mixing chemicals and not making an epic mess of it that puts me off.
  • STeaMSTeaM
    edited July 2010
    Paradigm Shifter wrote: »
    So I'm wasting money on Jizzremove and Wank-o-gone then? What about Concentrated Cumblitz? And Super Spunk Sparkler?

    All highly over-rated.

    What you need is either SpankBlast or ShandyCandy.

    ...both will work or your money back.
  • Paradigm ShifterParadigm Shifter
    edited July 2010
    Since those posts I have discovered GasmGenie which serves my needs just fine.
    Currently released version of SJOE: https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/index.php?cat=96&id=42215
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