Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Identification, Repair & Restoration => Telephone Restoration Projects and Techniques => Discolored Plastic and Bakelite - Improving it Chemically => Topic started by: Western Electric on October 08, 2013, 09:35:41 AM

Title: faded & discolored Aqua Blue 500
Post by: Western Electric on October 08, 2013, 09:35:41 AM
Hi
what Can I use on this phone
To get the color back
peroxide or sand it?
Title: Re: faded & discolored Aqua Blue 500
Post by: AE40FAN on October 08, 2013, 11:55:53 AM
Can you provide us with any photos? 
Title: Re: faded & discolored Aqua Blue 500
Post by: HarrySmith on October 08, 2013, 03:28:18 PM
Either way would work. I would not sand if I had another choice ;D

I picked up a creme formula hair product that works well. Sallys Beauty Supply.
I believe they are nationwide and online here:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/creme-developer/SLNCAR63,default,pd.html
I found the creme works well, I brush it on with a disposable paint brush and it stays pretty well in place. Spread it evenly and leave it in the sun for a few hours. Works great here in South Florida. Your mileage may vary ;)
Title: Re: faded & discolored Aqua Blue 500
Post by: TelePlay on October 08, 2013, 06:39:09 PM
There are numerous and detailed discussion of several ways others have restored phones to their original color. Certain things work for some colors and not others so a few different techniques are discussed which, I think, cover every color and  plastic type known to exist. The one Harry mentions seems to be one of the latest discussed and works well. It is the second generation of the Retro-Brite technique. The stable formula hair developers (bleach) in bags in sunlight (UV enhancement) seem to have worked well for those who tried that technique. If you explore all of the topic under this link, you will have quite an education on how to do what you want or need to for your phone's color restoration. Checking out those with the most replies is a good place to start.

http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?board=23.0

And, pictures of you phone would help others on the forum help you.