Retrobrite

[chinnyhill10]

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


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!

[Bryce]

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.

[VincentGR]

Nice!

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



After 2 hours under the sun light I got this:

[Bryce]

There's more sun in Greece

Bryce.

[chinnyhill10]

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! 

[chinnyhill10]

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!

[VincentGR]

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   

[Bryce]

beaker did some successful Retrobriting in the west of Ireland. If it can be done there, it can be done ANYWHERE!

Bryce.

[VincentGR]

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 

[CraigsBar]

I believe that it can be prevented from returning with a UV blocking varnish

[VincentGR]

Maybe yes but plastics will not look the same 

[CraigsBar]

Indeed, if applying varnish you may as well just paint it in the first place.

[Bryce]

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

Bryce.

[chinnyhill10]

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?

[Bryce]

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.

[Kris]

The best solution :

[arnoldemu]

Is that a special cartridge?

Has it been dumped?

[pelrun]

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!

[Gryzor]

There's more sun in Greece

Bryce.

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


Do hairdressers use UV lamps?

[CraigsBar]

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


Do hairdressers use UV lamps?

book a 20 minute sunbed appointment for the well coated plastics lol.