Omar Khalid
ABS plastic is a common material used in many household items, from children's toys to food containers and electronic devices. One of its few drawbacks is its tendency to turn yellow over time due to exposure to UV rays from sunlight. This occurs because of a chemical process involving bromine in the plastic's composition. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are several simple and effective methods to restore yellowed ABS plastic to its original white colour. The most popular methods include using hydrogen peroxide, hair developer, vinegar, and even a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. With these techniques, you can easily reverse the yellowing process and give your old plastic items a refreshed look.
Characteristics and Values Table for Whitening Yellowed ABS Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for Yellowing | Exposure to UV rays from the sun |
| Chemical Process Involved | Formation of free radicals and the presence of bromine |
| Prevention | Keep plastic out of direct sunlight and cover when not in use |
| Cleaning Methods | Bleach, baking soda, peroxide, white vinegar, detergent, and magic eraser |
| Polishing | Use a polishing agent and wash the parts between polishing |
| Whitening Process | Use hydrogen peroxide, hair developer, or cream and place under the sun for at least a day |
| Post-Treatment Care | Wash the plastic pieces and keep them away from direct sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Using hydrogen peroxide
To whiten yellowed ABS plastic, one method that can be used involves a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to note that you should use 3% or 10-15% hydrogen peroxide for this process. Do not use 35% hydrogen peroxide as it is extremely concentrated and can cause injury or death.
Now, to begin the process, take a plastic bag or container and fill it with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the plastic. Place the yellowed ABS plastic item into the container, ensuring it is completely submerged. If you are cleaning an electronic device, it is recommended to remove the plastic pieces and then soak them separately.
The next step involves placing the container with the plastic item in direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun, in combination with the hydrogen peroxide, will effectively remove the yellow stains. Leave the plastic item in the sun for 3-4 hours, or longer if needed. For electronic items, you can also try the Retrobrite process, which involves lining a container with UV LED light strips instead of relying on sunlight.
After soaking, remove the plastic item from the hydrogen peroxide and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You can use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the plastic and remove any remaining residue. Finally, dry the plastic item and inspect the results. If any yellow stains remain, repeat the process, or try a different method.
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Soaking in bleach and water
ABS plastic turns yellow due to a chemical reaction that occurs when UV light, present in sunlight, hits it. This reaction can be reversed by soaking the plastic in a solution of bleach and water.
Before attempting to reverse the discolouration, it is important to clean the plastic of any dust or residue. Polishing agents, for example, can leave a residue on the plastic that builds up over time and becomes difficult to remove. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the plastic with soap and water before and after the bleaching process.
To create the bleach solution, mix equal parts of bleach and water in a transparent container. It is recommended to use a transparent container as light is an important ingredient for the process. Cover the plastic in the bleach solution and let it sit for 1-2 hours. You can also leave the plastic to soak overnight and then let it sit outside in the sun for two full days. The sun will help remove some of the stains and get rid of the smell of bleach.
After soaking, rinse the plastic with soap and water. It is important to wear protective gear, such as a respirator mask, gloves, and goggles, when handling bleach and to work in a well-ventilated area.
While this method can be effective, it is important to note that the yellowing may return after a while, even if the bleached item is stored in the dark. Additionally, this process can corrode metal parts and may turn the plastic brittle.
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Applying hair developer
To whiten yellowed ABS plastic using hair developer, you will need a hair developer cream with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, such as the Jerome Russell Bblonde cream peroxide (40 Vol 12%). You can purchase this product on Amazon for a low price, but it is important to note that it is illegal in the US due to its high strength.
Before applying the hair developer, it is crucial to take safety precautions. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes, as the cream contains chemicals that can be harmful if they come into contact with them. It is also recommended to wear gloves to avoid any skin irritation. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and have a bucket of water nearby in case of any spills or accidents.
Begin by dismantling the plastic item, separating the plastic parts you want to treat from any metal pieces and circuitry. Clean the plastic surface thoroughly, removing any dust, hair, or dirt with plain water. You can also use rubbing alcohol for a deeper clean to remove tougher scuffs and dirt marks.
Once the plastic is clean and dry, you can apply the hair developer cream. Use a paintbrush or tint brush to evenly coat the plastic surface with the cream. Ensure that you cover all the desired areas. After application, wrap the coated plastic parts with cling film to prevent the cream from drying up too quickly and to ensure an even result.
Place the wrapped plastic pieces under direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun, in combination with the hydrogen peroxide in the hair developer, will work together to turn the yellowed plastic back to white. The time required for this process may vary, so regularly check on the plastic item. Once you are satisfied with the results, remove the cling film and wash the plastic pieces under water to remove any remaining developer cream. Remember to wear gloves during this step as well.
If you notice any uneven results or areas that require further whitening, you can repeat the process. Simply reapply the hair developer cream and leave the plastic item in the sun for another day or until you achieve the desired whiteness.
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Polishing
One method is to use a product with a high percentage of hydrogen peroxide, such as hair developer or European 80-volume cream. Apply the product generously to the surface of the plastic, ensuring complete coverage. Then, place the plastic under direct sunlight for at least a day, allowing the UV rays to react with the hydrogen peroxide and turn the plastic white again. Finally, wash the plastic with water to remove any residue. This method is simple and effective, but it is important to monitor the process closely to avoid over-bleaching, which can permanently damage the surface.
Alternatively, a diluted bleach solution can be used to soak the plastic. Fill a transparent container with equal parts bleach and water, and soak the plastic for a full day or until the stain has lightened. This method may require multiple soaks and access to sunlight for optimal results. After bleaching, it is crucial to wash the parts with detergent and water to prevent residue buildup, which can be challenging to remove.
Overall, restoring yellowed ABS plastic requires some experimentation and caution. While several methods are available, the specific formulation of the original plastic and exposure to UV light can impact the effectiveness and longevity of the results.
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Avoiding UV light
ABS plastic yellows due to a chemical process that occurs when exposed to UV light. This process can be reversed, but the plastic will yellow again when exposed to UV light. Therefore, it is important to keep ABS plastic away from direct sunlight and cover it when not in use.
- Keep ABS plastic out of direct sunlight: Place ABS plastic items away from windows or other sources of direct sunlight. This will help reduce the amount of UV light that reaches the plastic.
- Cover ABS plastic when not in use: Use a cloth, plastic cover, or box to cover ABS plastic items when they are not in use. This will create a barrier between the plastic and the UV light.
- Store ABS plastic in a dark place: Store ABS plastic items in a closet, drawer, or box to keep them away from light. Make sure the storage area is dry and well-ventilated to prevent mould or mildew growth.
- Use UV-protective coatings: Apply a UV-protective coating or spray paint to the ABS plastic surface. Products such as Rustoleum 2x Clear Coat, 303 UV Protectant, or Car Guys Plastic Restorer can provide a protective layer that blocks UV rays.
- Choose black pigments: When using ABS plastic filaments for 3D printing, opt for black pigments. Black pigments effectively block UV light and can help prevent discolouration.
By following these steps, you can help prevent ABS plastic from yellowing due to UV light exposure. Keeping ABS plastic away from direct sunlight and taking preventive measures will maintain its original colour for a longer period.
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Frequently asked questions
ABS plastic turns yellow due to a chemical reaction that occurs when it is exposed to UV light, such as sunlight.
There are several methods to whiten yellowed ABS plastic, including:
- Soaking the plastic in a solution of bleach and water
- Using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Applying a cream containing hydrogen peroxide and leaving it in the sun
- Soaking the plastic in a solution of vinegar, dish soap, and water
- Using 40-volume hair developer
Hydrogen peroxide may be the easiest and quickest way to restore yellowed plastic. It is also generally safe for food containers and items frequently used by children. However, it may be difficult to obtain in certain locations, such as the US.
To prevent ABS plastic from turning yellow again, keep it out of direct sunlight and cover it when not in use. Additionally, ensure that you properly clean and polish the plastic during and after the whitening process to remove any residue.
