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General Category => General Discussion - Introductions => Topic started by: chinnyhill10 on 23:45, 12 April 15

Title: Retrobrite
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 23:45, 12 April 15
This is applicable to CPC Plus machines and the GX4000 so I thought I'd stick it in here rather than the "Other" board.


Retrobrite has interested me ever since its discovery. While I have no desire to use it on any of my machines at the moment, last Summer my Amiga PSU failed and I built a new one. This left me with an Amiga PSU case that had gone orange. Time to experiment with Retrobrite! How would someone as ham fisted as me manage?


Adventures With Retrobrite (http://www.chinnyvision.com/index.php/written-bits/adventures-with-retrobrite)


Other techniques are available but I'd suggest that if you were to try it on a CPC, get some practice in first and perfect your technique!
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Bryce on 08:28, 13 April 15
Nice report. from my experience with Retrobrite I'd say give the PSU another decent coat of the stuff and go again. You can definitely get it back to the colour under the label.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: VincentGR on 09:29, 13 April 15
Nice!

I did some tests last year, I only use a bottle of 12/40 for hair and not a recipe of r.b.

(http://s26.postimg.org/48yap17a1/20140605_123750.jpg)

After 2 hours under the sun light I got this:

(http://s26.postimg.org/ie43qugbd/20140606_132449.jpg)
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Bryce on 09:40, 13 April 15
There's more sun in Greece :D

Bryce.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 10:41, 13 April 15
Quote from: Bryce on 08:28, 13 April 15
Nice report. from my experience with Retrobrite I'd say give the PSU another decent coat of the stuff and go again. You can definitely get it back to the colour under the label.

Bryce.


I was thinking that. Just need a sunny day and some time really. I imagine people in countries further south have an easier time of it!  :D
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 10:42, 13 April 15
Quote from: VincentGR on 09:29, 13 April 15
Nice!

I did some tests last year, I only use a bottle of 12/40 for hair and not a recipe of r.b.


I used the term Retrobrite but I used Be Blonde 40% from Superdrug as it is exactly the same recipe required.


Your test looks good!
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: VincentGR on 11:14, 13 April 15
Quote from: chinnyhill10 on 10:42, 13 April 15

I used the term Retrobrite but I used Be Blonde 40% from Superdrug as it is exactly the same recipe required.


Your test looks good!

Understood, I just mention mine which was same as yours   :)
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Bryce on 11:21, 13 April 15
beaker did some successful Retrobriting in the west of Ireland. If it can be done there, it can be done ANYWHERE!

Bryce.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: VincentGR on 11:23, 13 April 15
Yellowing returns after 2 years as a friend reported.
That dongle of mine is a bit yellow after some time of use.
Heat did it's work again  >:(
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: CraigsBar on 11:55, 13 April 15
I believe that it can be prevented from returning with a UV blocking varnish
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: VincentGR on 11:58, 13 April 15
Maybe yes but plastics will not look the same  :(
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: CraigsBar on 12:00, 13 April 15
Indeed, if applying varnish you may as well just paint it in the first place.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Bryce on 12:04, 13 April 15
The closest you'll get to protected AND looking original is by covering it with a UV protective hairspray. This keeps the matt look (varnish is too shiny) and protects it from the sun.

Who'd have thought that a range of hair products could be used to restore these old computers :D

Bryce.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: chinnyhill10 on 12:09, 13 April 15
Quote from: CraigsBar on 11:55, 13 April 15
I believe that it can be prevented from returning with a UV blocking varnish


Not keen on painting something on that can never be removed. 10 years time when the varnish is scuffed and worn, what then?
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Bryce on 12:24, 13 April 15
That's why the hairspray solution is good. You can wash it off with water and redo it any time you want. Just give it lots of time to dry, otherwise it's a dirt magnet.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Kris on 12:50, 13 April 15
The best solution :
(http://www.octoate.de/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/dscf5009.jpg)
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: arnoldemu on 13:17, 13 April 15
Is that a special cartridge?

Has it been dumped?
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: pelrun on 08:29, 15 April 15
UV blocking varnish won't really help stop re-yellowing, as bromine diffuses fairly deep into the plastic whilst the retrobriting only restores the surface layers. Over time (and more quickly in warmer climates) the remaining bromine diffuses back out to the surface, requiring another application - which is rather difficult if you've varnished it!
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: Gryzor on 11:06, 19 April 15
Quote from: Bryce on 09:40, 13 April 15
There's more sun in Greece :D

Bryce.


Well true, but how difficult is it to get a UV lamp?


Do hairdressers use UV lamps? :D
Title: Re: Retrobrite
Post by: CraigsBar on 13:34, 19 April 15
Quote from: Gryzor on 11:06, 19 April 15

Well true, but how difficult is it to get a UV lamp?


Do hairdressers use UV lamps? :D
book a 20 minute sunbed appointment for the well coated plastics lol.
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