Retr0Bright restores vintage computer plastic to like-new condition

Apple Mac SE/30 before Retr0Bright restoration

Although James Wages’ vintage Apple Macintosh SE/30 computer system worked, the external plastic had turned a dingy shade of yellow.

Using a homemade solution of household chemicals, nicknamed “Retr0Bright,” Wages was able to restore the plastic on the computer, keyboard, and mouse to like-new condition.

These photos document his process and the amazing results. Many thanks to James for allowing TechRepublic to republish these photos. For more information on how James restored this system and lots of other great Mac photos, check out his Flickr photostream.

Photo by James Wages

Preparing the Retr0Bright solution and cornstarch gel

Developed by chemists and vintage computer enthusiasts in 2008, Retr0Bright is a solution of hydrogen peroxide and an “active oxygen” laundry booster. To make a gel version of the solution, you can use a thickening agent, such as Xanthan Gum and Glycerin, cornstarch, or arrowroot. When combined with exposure to UV light, either from a lamp or the sun, this concoction can remove the yellowing from old ABS plastic computer part.

For a detailed description of how Retr0Bright works and a list of various recipes, check out the Retr0Bright Project Wiki.

Warning: Just remember that hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous–particularly in high concentrations. You should always wear appropriate hand and eye protection when making and working with Retr0Bright. Please read and follow the safety instructions listed on the Retr0Bright Wiki.

Photo by James Wages

Retr0Bright solution bubbles in the sunlight

When placed in the sun, the Retr0Bright gel bubbles.

Photo by James Wages

Mouse and space bar before Retr0Bright restoration

The plastic components from Wages’ Mac SE/30 mouse and the spacebar from an Apple IIg keyboard. The spacebar is heavily “yellowed”.

Photo by James Wages

Apple mouse submerged in Retr0Bright solution

Wages used both a liquid and gel version of the Retr0Bright solution. This photo shows the plastic mouse components and spacebar soaking in the liquid. To provide the necessary UV light, Wages placed the container in bright sunlight for a whole day (9 AM to sundown).

Photo by James Wages

Mouse and space bar after Retr0Bright restoration

This photo shows the plastic mouse components and spacebar after soaking for a whole day (9 AM to sundown) in the Retr0Bright solution. According to Wages, “Any further time in the RetroBright mix might have made it go “white” instead of the platinum color shown in the photo.”

Photo by James Wages

Slight discoloration on the mouse sticker

After soaking in the Retr0Bright, the product sticker on the underside of the mouse was slightly discolored and tiny bubbles had developed in it. After drying the mouse over night, the bubbles disappeared. And although the slight discoloration remained, Wages believes this is a small trade-off for the dramatic improvement in the color of the plastic.

Photo by James Wages

Exposing the keyboard to UV light

After coating the keyboard’s plastic components with his Retr0Bright gel, he placed them in the bright sunlight for the an entire day. He used white cardboard to reflect the sunlight onto the bottom of the plastic surfaces. This helped ensure all sides received enough UV light to complete the brightening process in a single day.

Photo by James Wages

Keyboard bezel with Retr0Bright with gel applied

Wages removed the multicolor Apple logo from the keyboard bezel to ensure the Retr0Bright solution didn’t change its color.

Photo by James Wages

Bottom of keyboard with Retr0Bright with Retr0Bright gel applied

Each hour during the brightening process, Wages would reapply the Retr0Bright paste. Using a paint brush, he could remove the old Retr0Bright coating and apply a fresh coat at the same time. This ensured that fresh Retr0Bright was always in contact with the plastic surface. This step is not necessary when using a liquid Retr0Bright solution.

Photo by James Wages

Fully restored Mac SE/30 keyboard

This photo shows the fully-restored Apple IIg keyboard. Wages soaked the keys in a Retr0Bright bright solution and used the gel on the larger pieces.

Photo by James Wages

Partially restored Mac SE/30

This photos shows the Mac SE/30 with the back half of the case restored. Notice the dramatic difference in color between the restored plastic and the untouched, yellow pieces (around the monitor and 20SC hard drive).

Photo by James Wages

Restored Mac SE/30 from the side

Here’s the fully-restored Mac SE/30 from the side. According to Wages, the speakers were never yellowed and serve as a reference for the Mac’s original color. Looks like a near perfect match.

Photo by James Wages

Fully restored Mac SE/30

James Wages’ fully restored and “deyellowed” Apple Macintosh SE/30.

For more information on how James restored this system and lots of other great Mac photos, check out his Flickr photostream.

Photo by James Wages