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Getting the cigarette tar off a vewlix

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hyunatl

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I have a vewlix L and the white plastic is very yellowed. I assume it's cigarette tar, anyone know how to get this stuff off? Thanks
 
Strong degreasers (Purple Power, Simple Green, etc) will usually take care of nicotine/smoke stains pretty easily.

Yellowed plastic on Vewlixes might be tougher. I don't own one myself, but given how common the yellow is, my assumption is that the plastic composition makes it susceptible to UV damage and general degradation (The Net City series of Sega cabs also have this problem). You can try to use a hydrogen peroxide solution to reverse this process (usually referred to as Retrobrite), but that effect is likely temporary, and doesn't solve the other issue of the plastic becoming weaker and more brittle due to degradation.
 
Gumption is the best at removing cigarette tar. You need something with a tiny bit of grit and a surfactant.

Also just be aware if it's yellowing of the plastic, it might be the bromine in the plastic and if that's what it is you're better off repainting
 
DavidMcGhan said:
Gumption is the best at removing cigarette tar. You need something with a tiny bit of grit and a surfactant.

Also just be aware if it's yellowing of the plastic, it might be the bromine in the plastic and if that's what it is you're better off repainting
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If it's yellowing from age and uv, is there a paint that you'd recommend using?
 
It's more than likely from age and uv and not nicotine. It oxidizes over time, especially when exposed to heat, and begins to turn darker and darker yellow.

Solution is Salon 50 peroxide, saran wrap, and a good powerful black light. I use 100w LED UV blacklight panels when I do the whiting process, look up the process for doing Retrobite and you will see what I mean. Basically you brush the peroxide onto the yellowed surface after a good cleaning, then lay the saran wrap over it to keep it from drying out, then aim the blacklight at it for a couple hours. Some leave it out in really bright sun light, but UV can be inconsistent day to day if you do that.

edit:
dont forget to clean off the peroxide once you're done!
 
Thinking this is more sun damage than actual nicotine/tar.

Instead of peroxide or retrobrite, I am thinking of repainting the white panel trim. Has anyone done this before, what is a good paint to buy? I saw someone mention appliance epoxy, but that seems to only bond to metal. I can use that to touch up the body, bit the plastic trim may need something different.

Not sure if this calls for white gloss or white high gloss? Any suggestions?

Thanks
 
Don't even bothering trying to paint these if it is your first time painting plastic. You will need to do considerable prep work on the pieces and use a quality adhesion promoter for lasting results. Practice on some scrap plastics first to get the hang of it and then come back to this. You will be happier.
 
JohnRambo'sKnife said:
Don't even bothering trying to paint these if it is your first time painting plastic. You will need to do considerable prep work on the pieces and use a quality adhesion promoter for lasting results. Practice on some scrap plastics first to get the hang of it and then come back to this. You will be happier.
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I've painted patent leather and used a sand free adhesion promoter , this works as well as it could. I'll probably use the same promoter and I found automotive grade acrylic epoxy that should be durable enough. I think youre right, its a good idea to practice and i will practice a little on some plexiglass to see if I like the gloss and just test out somethings first. Thanks for your suggestion
 
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