[vcf-midatlantic] Retrobrite instructions from the master

[Jason Perkins]

I've had lots of success using the Salon Care 40 cream, with nothing else
added.

Here's a before / after of a 1988 vintage KeyTronic keyboard case I did. It
took 2 treatments, at about 45 minutes each.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9CWLx1CFvYAPOw2O2

I applied the cream, covered in plastic wrap, and let it sit in the sun.
Every 15 minutes I went out and massaged the plastic.

For the keycaps I used the 40 clear liquid, cut it with a little bit of
water, added a spritz of Oxy Clean, and put it all in a clear plastic
container. I stirred the keycaps every 15 minutes. This took much longer,
about 8 hours (the keycaps were PBT not ABS like the case). Both came out
great!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2XT3KzG9rr6lIyxS2
(no, the keys are not the same color as the case. The keycaps are "Sea
Mist" and the case is "Driftwood" according to the owner's manual)

I'm working on editing a video together of how I did the keyboard. My one
tip is to go slow. You can always do another treatment. Check frequently.
If you think you're anywhere near close stop, wash the item, and let it
dry. Give it a good look. Then check if it needs another go. Also wear
gloves. The Salon 40 will give you chemical burns!

One final tidbit: Be extra careful with brown / tan plastic (like old Apple
keycaps). They can "burn" *very* easily.

-J

On Wed, Jul 26, 2017 at 10:59 PM, Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic <
vcf-midatlantic at lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:

> Does work, can confirm. When it first started getting talked about, I tried
>> it on some almost-orange IIgs disk drive cases that were already wrecked
>> with school district engraving. Went with 3% peroxide since it's cheap and
>> the lower concentrations/slower process is supposed to make really yellow
>> parts less likely to bloom.
>>
>> Still have the drives, still nice and un-yellowed.
>>
>
> I don't have a "before" picture, but here's the after. You can see how
> light the computer is now vs. the monitor and system saver.
>
> http://snarc.net/rb.jpg
>
> I was going to have Javier do the keyboard too, but then I acquired a
> brand-spanking-new keyboard in the Kfest free pile! Happy camper.
>



-- 
Jason Perkins
313 355 0085