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Kartell Castelli Modular Units yellowing  

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anthonyvon
(@anthonyvon)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 6
29/01/2006 5:59 am  

I came across a 3 piece stack of Castelli '4955' round modular units at the local thrift shop. Structurally they are in great condition, but I wouldn't say they are white anymore, except for the doors (which must have spent much of their life open and not exposed to light). Has anyone attempted to buff these with any plastic 'cleaners' on the market? If so how did that work out? Any advice?
To add a lighter note, as I was in the store cleaning out the little pieces of junk inside to allow the doors to slide open easier I found the top tear-off piece of an old Trojan wrapper stuck in the door glides. I like to think it adds provenance to their 70's vintage!


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SDR
 SDR
(@sdr)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 6462
29/01/2006 6:03 am  

You're sure
that wasn't part of the lubrication system ? Heh-heh. . .
I'll bet Koen will be of some help in describing what might be done, if anything, to address the yellowing problem. A completely reversible (removable) white coating might be a fall-back solution. . .?


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koen
 koen
(@koen)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2054
30/01/2006 7:35 am  

Koen!! wake up !!
Kartell Castelli Modular Units are made of A.B.S. (Acryl Butadien Styrene). Although the U.V. part of daylight alters the A.B.S. it is not the A.B.S. that is discoloring but the white pigment. In this case mostly titanium oxyde. The problem with the pigment is that it is imbedded in the plastic and most treatments will never reach the pigment. The only thing you can do is to mix 10% bleach with 90%water...you are going to need the bath tub! and let it soak in there for 24 hrs. depending on the damage it will make a difference but do not expect it to get back to it's original state. sanding or polishing is a waste of time and will damage the unit....Now I get back to sleep....


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SDR
 SDR
(@sdr)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 6462
30/01/2006 8:17 am  

So. . .
If you like them in original if aged condition, do as Koen suggests. If you see them as candidates for "cosmetic improvement," consider having them sprayed. . .?


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koen
 koen
(@koen)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 2054
30/01/2006 3:11 pm  

Personally...
I would not do it, but you are right Stephen, A.B.S. is one of the easiest plastics to paint


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anthonyvon
(@anthonyvon)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 6
31/01/2006 6:41 am  

Thanks for the hints...
...I will try the bleach method just to brighten them up a bit. I like the thought of the passive labor that goes into this method. I'll let you know how it works.
AV


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centone
(@centone)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 6
19/02/2006 10:29 am  

Magic Eraser
I've had some pretty amazing results using the Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" sponges. They're my new favorite cleaning method for plastics in general and they're the best result I've seen in de-yellowing vintage ABS.


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