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geekhack Community => Keyboard Keycaps => Topic started by: noisyturtle on Tue, 24 February 2015, 23:58:08

Title: Buffing out shine
Post by: noisyturtle on Tue, 24 February 2015, 23:58:08

Can it be done, even theoretically. Does anyone have any crazy ideas on how you might buff out shine on caps?

I was thinking a rubbing with rough-grain sandpaper, or even sandblasting. I have had mild success with Magic Eraser (that is to say, it's better than a worn super shiny cap)

Title: Re: Buffing out shine
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 25 February 2015, 00:05:37

If legend retention is not important, https://www.facebook.com/CerakoteFirearmCoatings.

It can be done with room temp air cure.

Title: Re: Buffing out shine
Post by: noisyturtle on Wed, 25 February 2015, 00:13:02

Quote from: Melvang on Wed, 25 February 2015, 00:05:37

If legend retention is not important, https://www.facebook.com/CerakoteFirearmCoatings.

It can be done with room temp air cure.

I have actually experimented with pistol grip on caps, and it works pretty well... but doesn't look pretty. Some sort of coating could potentially be a solution, but I am focusing more on keeping the cap as close to OEM as possible. Think more double shots where you don't have to worry so much. Can you explain air curing a little more?

Title: Re: Buffing out shine
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 25 February 2015, 00:15:42

If I understand correctly there is no oven required for the air cure.

What about doing a clear coat of that stuff before they get shiny?

Title: Re: Buffing out shine
Post by: Oobly on Wed, 25 February 2015, 06:27:44

Technically, buffing will produce more shine as the process is meant to be a final polishing to smooth out the surface, but whatever.

You can't restore the correct surface texture easily (would probably require something akin to remolding the cap), but you can "rough up" the surface in a few different ways. I prefer to keep the shine, shows the board is actually used and adds some character, I feel.