The retrocomputing community is buzzing about Retr0bright, a newly developed method for restoring discolored plastic (an effect commonly referred to as “yellowing”) to their former pristine condition.
The yellowing of ABS plastic was thought to be permanent, and speculated by many to be the result of the exposure to sunlight or florescent lighting. Cases that were once beige, white or platinum would turn yellow or even brown because of the Bromine flame retardant added to the plastic during production.
Retr0bright is the result of a collaboration between several retrocomputing enthusiasts and chemists. They hit upon the technique for mixing hydrogen peroxide and “Oxy” laundry cleanser into a bathing solution and then using an ultra-violet lamp as a catalyst to recondition the yellowed plastic. Complete instructions are on the Retr0bright wiki.
For a look at the reasons for the discoloration in the first place, see our previous post, Why your Apple turned yellow.
Coming soon:
Another method (and possible service) for reconditioning “yellowed” cases from Apple II guru Tony Diaz.