UV exposure can cause yellowing in older plastics, particularly ABS plastic containing brominated flame retardants (BFRs). This yellowing occurs due to the degradation of BFRs when exposed to sunlight. Fortunately, this chemical process can be reversed using a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide and UV light. One effective and affordable solution for restoring yellowed plastic is Salon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer.
Understanding the Yellowing Process
Older plastics, especially ABS, often turn yellow due to the breakdown of BFRs, which are added to prevent flammability. These compounds become unstable when exposed to UV light, resulting in a noticeable yellow or brown discoloration. This is a common problem with vintage electronics and appliances.
Salon Care 40: A Simple Solution
While DIY solutions like Retr0bright exist, a readily available and cost-effective alternative is Salon Care 40 Volume Creme Developer. This product, found at beauty supply stores, provides a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a creamy consistency that adheres well to plastic surfaces.
Restoring a Yellowed Sony TFM-C650W Case
A practical example demonstrates the effectiveness of Salon Care 40. A Sony TFM-C650W clock radio with severe yellowing due to prolonged sun exposure was successfully restored using this method.
The restoration process involved disassembling the clock, cleaning the plastic case with soap and water, and then applying Salon Care 40. The case was placed in a ziplock bag to prevent evaporation and exposed to direct sunlight.
Five hours of sunlight produced a noticeable improvement, but a second application with fresh Salon Care 40 and another five hours of sunlight yielded even better results. The total treatment time of ten hours significantly reversed the yellowing, restoring the case to a much whiter appearance.
Conclusion
Salon Care 40 offers a convenient and effective solution for restoring yellowed plastic caused by sun damage. Its high concentration of hydrogen peroxide and creamy texture make it ideal for this application. With minimal effort and cost, you can revitalize vintage electronics and other plastic items using this readily available product.
