Author Topic: Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps  (Read 4724 times)

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Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 11:28:23 »
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

Offline bpiphany

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 11:42:08 »

Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 11:54:06 »
^ 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).

Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 13:01:56 »
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?

Offline laden3

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 13:39:05 »
my suggestions:
-switch the keycaps with neighboring ones, takes a long time I think...
-rit dye them
I rrrove brrracks.

Offline stuiees

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 14:41:42 »
Quote from: Philth;276194
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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Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 15:08:17 »
Hah looks like I'm off to get some brake fluid for the sake of science! I'll post results (if there are any)

Offline itlnstln

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 15:12:55 »
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.


Offline guilleguillaume

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 15:14:20 »
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.

Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 15:27:55 »
Quote from: itlnstln;276246
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
2
3

Will try pencil eraser tonight. Will pick up brake fluid tomorrow

Offline guilleguillaume

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 16:26:43 »
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.

Offline Philth

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Removing Paint on 7G Keycaps
« Reply #11 on: Mon, 10 January 2011, 17:14:53 »
Regular rubber eraser definitely doesn't do the job.