geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: swedishpiehole on Tue, 25 February 2020, 10:57:29
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Hi all. Last summer I tried to retrobrite an old Apple keyboard and the results were pretty disastrous. I tried a lot of different techniques but was never able to get an even result. After getting splotches from using Sarah wrap, I bought 2 gallons of 40 vol clear developer and left it submerged in the bright sun, hoping to get everything to even out, but it didn't budge! WTF? I should think that theoretically all of the plastic could be lightened to the same level.
Is there any hope to restore this case? The PCB and keycaps are in perfect condition and it would be such a shame to have to chuck it because the case is so splotchy (I was restoring this to sell, since I have no use for it).
Thanks in advance for advice!
(https://i.imgur.com/zBbMG6a.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/MSkQLyM.jpg)
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It's probably not clean enough. there's possibly a film of dirt still stuck to it hindering the reaction with the chemicals..
Try going at it with laundry powder + toothpaste + tooth brush, really get in there.
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Thanks, but those marks are caused by uneven retrobrite application and/or cling film irregularity. I've even tried sanding it with 150 grit sandpaper without success, so I'm starting to think it's a lost cause. Maybe I'll just sell the keycaps and chuck the rest.