Nekochan Net

The lights you're talking about would probably be better than the coil bulbs I bought.

The tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) in the OxyClean is supposedly acting as a catalyst meaning its while it aids in the reaction its not consumed. Catalysts are typically used in much smaller quantities than the reactants since the can participate in individual reactions over and over. So a gram would probably go a long way. Plus you'll have trouble dissolving all of it if you use too much.

The plastic's not alive so its out of my field but I just read the science part of the wiki and things seem off even relying on what's left of the old chemistry knowledge I don't use. They're claiming UV light releases bromine free radicals from the tetrabromobisphenol–A used as a flame retardant in the plastic. These then migrate to the surface where they bond with oxygen and produce the nasty yellowing. During the treatment the UV light destabilizes this bromine oxide as well as the hydrogen peroxide (the breakdown of which is also catalyzed by the TAED). Free hydrogen ions from the hydrogen peroxide then displace the oxygen to form hydrogen bromide and that's where the explanation ends - actually before even saying hydrogen bromide. If that's all that's going on there are much easier sources of hydrogen ions, any dilute acid solution. That's easy enough to test though I'm thinking there's more happening but what do I know.

So, I guess technically, if used in the correct amounts, it should not have any "bleaching" effect on the plastic.

If the peroxide concentration is too high you will get bleaching. Years ago I temporarily turned my finger tips white doing something with a 30% solution so yes it bleaches things.

If I were you I'd soak the part rather than use the brush-on method for your first try, especially since the situation with the colored Indigo2 is a bit different. Start with a container large enough to hold the Indigo2 top. If you place it face up there's going to be lots of empty space underneath so you might want to stick some things in there to take up space and save on hydrogen peroxide solution. Get some 12% hydrogen peroxide and dilute it; I'd go with 1% simply because it will cost less. Mix in the OxyClean, submerge the Indigo2 top, and hit it with the blacklight. Do it when you have time to check on it every few hours. It took at least 8 hours for my parts to change and that was in 3%, they weren't all that yellowed, and I probably could let them go even a bit longer. So don't be surprised if it takes a day or so.

That sounds great! But, I might need help with my delusion math.

Also, I hope Home Depot/Lowes has full sized UV florescent tubes.

Just to give you an idea of what I am talking about...

Here is the old Indigo2 case, with a brand new, just pulled from the plastic, faceplate. Assuming it is not a variance in the plastic because of a different batch, the case has a definite yellow "tinge" to it making it appear darker. The pic really doesn't do it justice, it is a BIG difference. It makes the case look old and tired.

I went to Lowes and got some supplies today. I could not find anything large enough to set the Indigo case flat, so it looks like upright is my only option. I can also monitor the change better by only submerging half the case at a time. I plan on lining the inside with foil to reflect the light every way. These same lights will take the plant type UV bulb, I wonder how that would do? If it would be too intense?

Have you considered trying with natural sunlight first? might be easier to get the whitening to happen more evenly?

Sunlight supposedly works better since you get a lot more UV but if I put anything outside right now it would first freeze then be covered by 18" of snow.

The only upside to that is I should have a day off tomorrow to play around with this.

If I want more "intense" UV rays, I can just upgrade the light bulbs to the type that are used to grow plants.

With a colored piece like this, it is all about slow, steady, and controlled environment...

I heard about this awhile ago on classiccomp, I think that once I get around to doing this I will actually be using an indy lid that I replaced because it was scuffed and discolored, and I have an indigo case and octane front panel as well that have been replaced...

The countdown has begun!

49 liters of water, to 1 liter of 50% Hydrogen Peroxide, and one scoop of OxyClean.

Where did you get 50% hydrogen peroxide?

This industrial bulk chemical place down the street.

And this stuff is mean too...

How much for the liter?

It was $23.00 for a gallon. Not real cheap, but it will go along way.

Three (3) Hour Progress Report:

It has only been three hours, and the results so far are AMAZING!

Left Half Treated

Left Half Treated

Top Half Treated & Compared to Brand New Face Plate

Top Half Treated & Compared to Brand New Face Plate


It's not quite there yet, but it's damn close. What an improvement!