Have you ever tried to remove the yellow from plastic? Part 2 of 3 - An experiment!
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Published 2022-11-04
As a boy, science experiments fascinated me. I received an overhwelming number of suggestions from the test I ran a few days ago - how to restore plastic from yellow. A BIG THANK YOU! I think all of us are scientists - full of knowledge, ready to help the community (folks if you’re interested, read the comments below for suggestions).
I’m sure you’re wondering about the results of test. So, lets tune in...I was convienced one of these solutions could work. And it really didn’t take me a long time or a lot of money to setup.
Even though I let the hydrogen peroxide solution sit in the sun for a day in hot weather, it looked the same. I even ran this test twice, covering the container, but the yellow was deep set. A few folks suggested UV light or higher strength hydrogen peroxide in a very hot setting. I might have to try that down the road.
The vingear/water solution also looked similar. Again, I probably could have used a higher concentration.
The baking soda solution surprised me the most. It actually absorbed some of the yellow. I gave it a good scrub, but most of the yellow was still there.
In this shell game of life, it seems I might be out of luck for now. I tried a few other suggestions with no solid results. My dad was into chemistry and I remember every experiment became a lesson. He was also relatively frugal and relentless if he could save things. I have one more trick up my sleeve shy of just buying a new lantern. Time to ditch the lab coat and get to work. Stay tuned...
(p.s. I’m often reminded that Rome wasn’t built in a day. And I make a ton of mistakes. Upon reflection, many of my projects take some time, but I appreciate you sticking around if this kind of storytelling interests you.)
Part 1: Have you ever tried to remove the yellow from plastic? Part 1 of 3 - An experiment! I run a quick experiment in my garage. Trust me, I'm no scientist, but makes you wonder about the chemical properties of a few cleaners.
• Have you ever tried to remove the yel...
Part 2: Have you ever tried to remove the yellow from plastic? Part 2 of 3 - An experiment! I share results of the experiment and contemplate my next steps.
• Have you ever tried to remove the yel...
Part 3: Using glass to replace the plastic insert of a porch light! Part 3 of 3 - An experiment! I share my next steps on how I cut glass to replace the plastic insert.
• Using glass to replace the plastic in...
All Comments (21)
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Part 1: The experiment youtube.com/shorts/Fp_gnlssvfs Part 3: A solution to make custom glass inserts youtube.com/shorts/v6PrJ3HOdac
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wow - someone actually doing a follow-up, not just saying they‘ll do one.
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You have to get a certain concentrated peroxide, like those in hair salons that is far more than 3 %, and then it needs to be submerged in it, in a tub, under UV lights, sealed up. Seal it because UV lights can harm your eyes and prolonged exposure can hurt your skin. This is how a lot of electronics restorers fix old faded plastic casings.
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The high percentage hydrogen peroxide paste used for hair bleaching is what I used to make my NES and old light switch covers like new. Give that a try!
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I really appreciate you leaving links to the results and following videos. I hate when YouTubers don’t,so I just block their content or dislike. Thanks bro
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"and it was all yellow" 💀
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I’m strangely invested in this story.
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Nooooo...another cliff hanger! What WILL happen next?
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Bug spray works well. You'll want to clear coat the lenses afterwards, or they will yellow again after a few weeks. I recommend spraymax
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with H2O2, you’re supposed to cover it with seran wrap or something clear and airtight. the gasses are just as important as the liquid.
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Also, with hydrogen peroxide, the reason why it’s stored in a dark bottle like that is so it doesn’t oxidize. Once hydrogen peroxide is exposed to air, it just becomes water.
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Most amazing thing is that the one outside in the sun made it's way indoors all by itself!
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Use salon care 40 and wrap with clear Saran wrap leave in the Sun or ultraviolet light for several hours It's similar to the process of the yellowing sneakers if you want to look that up
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Deep woods off mosquito repellent works on yellowish headlights. I didn’t believe it until I tried it.
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I have seen a blow torch restore the finish on plastics. It's very tricky and precise, but is incredible to watch when it's done correctly.
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I've got to see part 3!
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Finally, A Youtuber that links Parts 1,2 and 3.
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The yellowing in plastic systems is usually caused by the plasticizers (additives to help melt viscosity and softness, which often contain aromatic rings) undergoing radical reactions caused by exposure to UV light over long periods of time. Not something that can easily be extracted with any aqueous wash.
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I appreciate u sm u put part 2 in the comments
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Part 3 please it's been an eternity! 🤷🏻♂️
