As far as I know, I think gum/glycerin/corn starch is generally used to simply thicken the mixture for easier application as opposed to being an active ingredient.
My SGI granite before retrobriting:Show Image(http://i50.tinypic.com/2lsus21.jpg)
My SGI granite after retrobriting:Show Image(http://i49.tinypic.com/ouxufd.jpg)
All I used was 4 hours of South Florida sunshine and 40 vol creme developer from Sally's Beauty Supply ($12 for a gallon...which is enough to do several boards and then some). There's no need for xanthan gum or glycerin.
Yes if you buy high concentrate peroxide paste, nothing else is needed unless you want to really speed things up. It just depend on what is available. Some people don't have access to that type of product easy and have to make due with what can be had from somewhere like walmart which is usually peroxide under 10% so the oxi really is needed there to increase strength.
Thickener is only needed if you don't have a big tub for large item like case body, as it can be painted on and stay put instead of soak in liquid.
FYI---
The megathread on GH with the pics and comparisons must be gone.
We found out a year ago all you need is Oxy-Clean or generic about 2 times stronger than the strongest mixture on the box. It works for about 6 hours then the chemicals react out.
You can sit and debate all the Retrobrite discussions you want, but several of us did this with Oxy and water. That's it.
The Oxy is far cheaper (pennies) and safer and easier to use. Plus the extra can be used in your laundry. Doing this any other way is just silly. More expensive, possibly dangerous and harder to do.
Don't make it more complicated than it is. You guys sound like you're taking the expensive, harder route. Stop, turn around, go the other way!
FYI---
The megathread on GH with the pics and comparisons must be gone.
We found out a year ago all you need is Oxy-Clean or generic about 2 times stronger than the strongest mixture on the box. It works for about 6 hours then the chemicals react out.
You can sit and debate all the Retrobrite discussions you want, but several of us did this with Oxy and water. That's it.
The Oxy is far cheaper (pennies) and safer and easier to use. Plus the extra can be used in your laundry. Doing this any other way is just silly. More expensive, possibly dangerous and harder to do.
Don't make it more complicated than it is. You guys sound like you're taking the expensive, harder route. Stop, turn around, go the other way!
Are you saying that the sunlight is not required, either?
So, UV is required in any case?