Case whitening: Difference between revisions
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The plastic case of the Dreamcast is prone to yellowing, but there are products available to help whiten it. | The plastic case of the Dreamcast is prone to yellowing, but there are products available to help whiten it. | ||
== Retro-Brite == | == Why Dreamcast Plastic Yellows == | ||
[https://retro-brite.com/ Retro-Brite] is a spray-on gel. Do the following to whiten | |||
Dreamcast cases are made from ABS, and ABS is known for turning yellow when exposed to UV or excessive heat.<ref name="retrobright">''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retr0bright] Retr0bright''</ref> The yellow color becomes more apparent because the standard base color of the plastic is a light gray. | |||
== Products == | |||
=== DIY === | |||
DIY solutions consist of hydrogen peroxide and a TAED-based laundry booster.<ref name="retrobright"/> | |||
=== Retro-Brite === | |||
[https://retro-brite.com/ Retro-Brite] is a spray-on gel which may be purchased from Amazon. | |||
== Process == | |||
Do the following to whiten a Dreamcast case: | |||
# Disassemble the plastic case into the bottom shell, top shell, CD lid, controller port cover, and buttons; set aside all electronics | # Disassemble the plastic case into the bottom shell, top shell, CD lid, controller port cover, and buttons; set aside all electronics | ||
# Carefully remove the Dreamcast logo sticker from the lid | # Carefully remove the Dreamcast logo sticker from the lid and labels on the bottom, if desired | ||
# Put on gloves and spray down every exposed surface of all of the plastic pieces | ## The brightening process WILL discolor stickers if they aren't removed | ||
# Put on gloves and spray down every exposed surface of all of the plastic pieces with the brightening solution | |||
# Put each plastic piece into one or more plastic bags so that the yellowed surfaces are all visible from one side of the bag | # Put each plastic piece into one or more plastic bags so that the yellowed surfaces are all visible from one side of the bag | ||
# Leave the bag(s) in full sun or under a UV light for 8 to 24 hours, checking on their progress every few hours | # Leave the bag(s) in full sun on warm days or under a UV light in a warm area for 8 to 24 hours of exposure, checking on their progress every few hours | ||
# Remove all pieces from bag(s), rinse with tap water, and let dry | # Remove all pieces from bag(s), rinse with tap water, and let dry | ||
# | # The process may be repeated if more whitening is desired | ||
# Once satisfied, reassemble your Dreamcast | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
[[File:Yellowed Dreamcast.jpg|frameless|Yellowed Dreamcast]] -> | [[File:Yellowed Dreamcast.jpg|frameless|Yellowed Dreamcast]] -> | ||
[[File:Whitened Dreamcast.jpg|frameless|Whitened Dreamcast]] | [[File:Whitened Dreamcast.jpg|frameless|Whitened Dreamcast]] | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
Revision as of 13:45, 4 January 2023
The plastic case of the Dreamcast is prone to yellowing, but there are products available to help whiten it.
Why Dreamcast Plastic Yellows
Dreamcast cases are made from ABS, and ABS is known for turning yellow when exposed to UV or excessive heat.[1] The yellow color becomes more apparent because the standard base color of the plastic is a light gray.
Products
DIY
DIY solutions consist of hydrogen peroxide and a TAED-based laundry booster.[1]
Retro-Brite
Retro-Brite is a spray-on gel which may be purchased from Amazon.
Process
Do the following to whiten a Dreamcast case:
- Disassemble the plastic case into the bottom shell, top shell, CD lid, controller port cover, and buttons; set aside all electronics
- Carefully remove the Dreamcast logo sticker from the lid and labels on the bottom, if desired
- The brightening process WILL discolor stickers if they aren't removed
- Put on gloves and spray down every exposed surface of all of the plastic pieces with the brightening solution
- Put each plastic piece into one or more plastic bags so that the yellowed surfaces are all visible from one side of the bag
- Leave the bag(s) in full sun on warm days or under a UV light in a warm area for 8 to 24 hours of exposure, checking on their progress every few hours
- Remove all pieces from bag(s), rinse with tap water, and let dry
- The process may be repeated if more whitening is desired
- Once satisfied, reassemble your Dreamcast
->
