For those of us who don't have direct access to sunlight due to geography, time of year, being in an apartment on the wrong side of the building, or being in a place where stuff left outside can get stolen:
The retrobright sites refer to "ultraviolet," but there are two types: long wave, also known as "blacklight" often used as a special lighting effect (makes "fluorescent" paint glow, etc); and short wave, which is known to cause eye damage and skin cancer from overexposure, and also makes plastics turn icky colors.
Which one to use for un-fading plastics?
I suspect they're referring to short wave (because with the peroxide, it might reverse the original chemical reaction that turned the plastic an icky color), but does anyone here know? And if short wave, then where can I find the bulbs or fixtures for that?
The whole point of Retrobright paste was to get an even mixture with the peroxide so you wouldn't have to soak large parts in a large vat of peroxide. But the information I've found refers to a British laundry product as one of the ingredients: what's the US equivalent?
Also beware of this: Peroxide, particularly the stronger stuff, when mixed with acetone, produces a highly unstable explosive. I don't know if there are any other combinations with peroxide and other chemicals that will blow up; I have to believe the Retrobright formula won't. But the main thing is: If you purchase large quantities of strong peroxide, you may find yourself with a visit from the FBI or Homeland Security, who may think you're trying to make bombs. So be prepared to show them your phone refurbishing process, and be friendly about it (who knows, you might get them interested in old phone equipment too:-). BTW, this is why the regulations about liquids carried on airplanes: a bottle of this and a bottle of that, mixed hastily in the aircraft bathroom, equals a bomb. In case anyone here has ever grouched about those rules, now you know why they exist. And PLEASE DO NOT publish the detail about peroxide plus acetone in forums frequented by the general public: although the information isn't classified, it's not common knowledge and should not become common knowledge.
Also, whenever using these chemicals in the home: exercise all the usual precautions such as using a well ventilated area, no smoking or other sources of flame or ignition anywhere near, wear rubber gloves, wash your hands when done, and so on.
