Retr0bright Support Thread

[Khondar]

Yes, I am using an 18W EnergySaving UV-Lamp (equivalent to a regular 80W bulb).

I didn't spread it that thick... just a "single coating", and I have the feeling that it was not enough... The keys I put in pure 15% and let them also sit until tomorrow morning. So curious to see...

[Marc]

The keys will be fine, however be careful of the paste as unsupervised it may dry out and cause damage to the plastics. I know that in a 5-8 hour period I re-apply about 4-5 times. This is however in sunshine so I get a lot more evaporation.

[AmiNeo]

Is mineral water okay for this? eg. Buxton, Evian, Volvic etc. No effects from the minerals in the water?

[rkauer]

No effect at all. Just a waste of money.

[Khondar]

I left it sitting over night and the result was... as expected: partial those areas where I had applied the mixture thicker look as if the Amiga came straight out of the box. Other parts not so well. So I will do it again tonight with a much thicker coat.

In the recipe it says "a day or so"... my first attempt seemed sufficient after 12 hours.... HOW LONG do you guys leave it sitting usually?

[clueless]

I had a UV tube light. During the day my stuff went out in the daylight, at night under the uv bulb. I didnt see much if any change under the bulb, but daylight gave results. You need to get the stuff out in your garden or on an outside windowsill. Merlin gave me a scientific answer to this on this thread a while back. let me find it......

---------- Post added at 09:09 ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 ----------

here it is

Yeah,

I think it's the wavelength of the UV that's the issue. We need 320nm UV light and most black lights are weak at this wavelength, unless you pay an arm and a leg.

Good results though!!

[Khondar]

Which method is more successful: the gel version of Ret0bright, or submersing the entire case in liquid H2O2 with Oxy?

Using the gel for the first time, I noticed that the case is not evenly bleeched. There are some parts which are brighter than others.... even though I applied the gel evenly allover. I would imagine that this would not be the case using the liquid method? Any experiences?

[Merlin]

@ Khondar

ABS Plastic is a wierd beast, in that moulding flow marks can sometimes show up. The plastic also doesn't yellow evenly either, so treating it can also be uneven. It can take two or three treatments to get it all even and the same colour.

ABS polymer is a bit like human DNA, in that no two batches are ever likely to be exactly the same.

The liquid is better for keys, small parts and items that can be totally immersed in liquid. Larger items are where the gel is a better bet. It has also been found that a gel coat covered with cling film works well as the cling film stops the water from the gel from evaporating, as this would send the level of peroxide in the gel through the roof and cause 'blooming', a white 'bloom' on the surface where the polymer has been attacked.

By keeping the peroxide level low and preventing evaporation, good results can be given the best chance of happening.

[Khondar]

@ Merlin

Thank you for your input! So it's just a matter of continuously repeating the procedure until it's all bright. I was worried that it's a devil's circle...

As to the procedure, maybe you can clarify for me:

Does it matter how thick the gel is put on? What would be your advice?

Once the gel starts foaming, do you re-distribute the foam/gel evenly in regular periods during the process? Or do you put entirely new gel on? And lastly: when do I know the process is finished? when all the foam is gone?


Just trying to figure out the best way and benefit from your expertise.

[Merlin]

OK, let's see....

Q: Does it matter how thick the gel is put on? What would be your advice?

I would aim for an even coat about 2-3mm thick, that should be more than adequate. That will foam up to about 1cm thick in use.

Q: Once the gel starts foaming, do you re-distribute the foam/gel evenly in regular periods during the process? Or do you put entirely new gel on?

When I did the original experiments on my C64 (the one in the Wiki) I did find that it foamed up and then slumped off due to the weight. Keeping the amount of Oxy low will minimise foaming and you shouldn't need to keep moving it around. The Cling film will also help to hold it in place.

Q: When do I know the process is finished? when all the foam is gone?

Once you have added the Oxy, the reaction starts and it can last 24 to 48 hours. With a batch of liquid Retr0bright, the peroxide will be exhausted within 48 hours.

Most cases are restored by two or three treatments maximum.