geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Philth on Mon, 10 January 2011, 11:28:23
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Does anyone know the best way of removing the white paint on the 7G's engraved keycaps?
I'm experiencing what the 7G keys are notorious for: the paint rubbing off the keycaps. The WASD cluster has almost completely worn off. Just wondering if there was a way I could effectively strip all the key caps so that I'd at least get unifrom black-on-black engraved keycaps.
Thanks
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Probably (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:6469)
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^ Would probably work but I'm looking for more of a one-step chemical solution (like a solvent that won't damage the keys themselves, only remove the paint).
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Hmm so doesn't seem like theres an easy way, out of those solvents, to remove the lettering without damaging the plastic key itself.
I've heard somewhere that brake fluid as a solvent works for removing keycap lettering. Does anyone have any experience with that or am I going to have to bite the bullet and find out for myself?
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my suggestions:
-switch the keycaps with neighboring ones, takes a long time I think...
-rit dye them
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Hmm so doesn't seem like theres an easy way, out of those solvents, to remove the lettering without damaging the plastic key itself.
I've heard somewhere that brake fluid as a solvent works for removing keycap lettering. Does anyone have any experience with that or am I going to have to bite the bullet and find out for myself?
There is actually a chance this could work. I know brake fluid can strip paint off a car, and I don't think it will damage most plastics (as long as it is not exposed for too long). I have heard of people stripping paint off their hobby kits using this method. I would try with just one key, let it soak for a bit, then dip a toothbrush into the fluid and scrub the cap lightly. Also remember brake fluid is petrolium based, so it may take a good cleaning afterwards to get the keys "clean". GL
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Hah looks like I'm off to get some brake fluid for the sake of science! I'll post results (if there are any)
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For clarity, is it brake fluid or brake (parts) cleaner? The latter would be a much more powerful solvent than the former. I would exercise caution with the brake parts cleaner.
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I remember that when I used to paint Miniatures when I wanted to clean one made from plastic I putted it into a glass of Coke all the night and the next day the paint was just worn out.
I think this night I will try with one of my WASD keys since I use the Lavender Filco ones.
It will be fantastic to hace a "blank" 7G.
Anyway I can remember that someon in this forum used rubber like the one we use to erase pencil in paper and he nearly cleaned all the wite paint.
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For clarity, is it brake fluid or brake (parts) cleaner? The latter would be a much more powerful solvent than the former. I would exercise caution with the brake parts cleaner.
Brake fluid. I'm almost convinced this will work. Here's some supportive cases:
1 (http://www.ehow.com/how_7524246_strip-paint-brake-fluid.html)
2 (http://www.essortment.com/all/modelstrainsre_rwky.htm)
3 (http://www.gremlins.com/kitbuilders/strip.html)
Will try pencil eraser tonight. Will pick up brake fluid tomorrow
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Well some people used Vinegar too clean the Old Miniatures and with the Coke (Coca-Cola) it does a good job.
I will try today or Tomorrow and will post pics.
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Regular rubber eraser definitely doesn't do the job.