To Retr0bright or not, experienced guidance appreciated

[Gotan_TM]

Hi Folks,

I've recently been made aware of the formula "Retr0bright" which could restore the colour of my "yellowing" Commodore C128.

As I've never made/used this formula before I'm interested to know what other users who have think ... if you take a look at the photo of my C128 & A1200, you'll notice the colour difference, I'm sure the C128 could be improved but I'd appreciate any experienced feedback ... if my C128 were yours, would you? ... Do you think it would improve it's appearance?



I look forward to your feedback.

Cheers!


DAZ
(Gotan_TM)

 

[roy_bates]

ive used it and had good results although it does fade when i do it after about 2 years.so the answer would be yes.

you do realize there is a thread for the retrobright formula on here? and its use and feedback

 

[edd_jedi]

It looks great to start with, but does not last. It takes less than a year to start yellowing again. You cannot stop it yellowing once it has started, even plastic coating it makes no difference. so only do it if you're prepared to re-do it every year or so. I personally would only do the case (easy bits) it's far too much effort to do the fiddly parts like keys only for them to go yellow again.

 

[DutchinUSA]

I think the 128 looks great as it is

 

[soviet9922]

I retrobrighted my commodore vic 20 years ago and now is white like a baby ass.
The easy way is using hair whitening cream apply it like a coating and then rap it on plastic foil.
If you live in a sunny location like me be carefull not to let it to much time on the sun some plastics can warp.

 

[Gotan_TM]

Thanks for the feedback folks, it's much appreciated.

Based on the comments received so far I think I'm going to hold off on attempting the Retr0bright process on my C128 for the immediate future. If it continues to get worse I may give it a whirl but right now I'm going to hang fire.

Thanks again!


DAZ
(Gotan_TM)

 

[demolition]

Even if you might need to redo it in a year or two, I think that after each treatment it will go slower to revert back to the previous yellowed state. I did some machines a couple about 3 years back and while they have reyellowed to some extent, it is still not as bad as before I treated it. I think this summer is the time for me to repeat the process so they can look good again.
It is not without danger though. If you overdo it (too much sun) or it dries out, it can create streaking which cannot be removed again. I ruined one decent 500+ chassis while learning this experience.

 

[Jepplen]

First of all it's important to note that the Amiga 600 and Amiga 1200 uses a brighter and whiter color on the plastics, so don't try to brighten your C128 to death just because it doesn't match your A1200.
You probably knew this, but i feel i had to say it for my own peace of mind.

To retrobrite something, it is my experience to use a cream based Hydrogen Peroxide 12% and a UV light, the sun isn't a great UV source, although stronger than a UV lamp, it's moving around during the day (shocking i know ;D), a UV light takes longer, but you will have a more even result.
You can get the cream from serious hair saloon online shops, where i live we have Baresso, but i'm sure you can find a good dealer where ever you live.
Here's a link to my local shop to give you an idea:
https://baressoshop.se/products/Kleral-V%E4teperoxid-12%25.html

I haven't tried the keys yet, but this is what i will use on my A600.
I was a bit concerned that the key symbols would fade from the keys, but seeing this video i have no doubt that it is safe also for the keys.

Check out these videos for the method + good references and infos:

Part 1/2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvIigryjwaw
Part 2/2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsIwIHJt_ps
Different source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44Iu97b3hc

Also, there are tons of recipes online for mixing your own retrobrite cream, forget it, just buy this CreamPeroxide and be done with it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Truzone-Cream-Peroxide-12-1000ml/dp/B005DEV8KO
It's all you need + UV light and some plastic foil.


And for the love of God in the navy and all that's holy, post before and after pictures for us to see


Preferably pics while doing it too!