Stains caused by Cigarette smoke

From: Russ Blakeman <rhblake_at_bbtel.com>
Date: Tue Sep 22 11:10:45 1998

Phil Clayton wrote:

> I saw that discussion about removing labels from books & hardware.
> How about cosmetic smoke damage caused by Cigarette Smoke, and just
> plain old yellowing plastic.
> Has anyone been successful in removing this type of damage from old
> computers.
> --Phil

Walmart sells a spray cleaner in a white spray (or gallon refill) called
Crown Cleaner. If the nicotine/tar is not embedded into the plastic
itself, then spray this on a let it sit a second. It will come right
off, no problem. To get rid of the sticky feeling afterwards just
reclean it with Windex or a damp sponge with plain water.

For the permanent stains, I disassemble and lightly sand the parts and
then tack rag them. I get the cheap stain finish paint that Walmart
sells (since it has toluene base and will soften into the plastic and
stay for good) and repaint the whole piece with the applicable paint.
They have a black, light grey, tan and off white that match the original
colors nearly to the T. I let them dry very well, usually overnight to
make sure that nothing has softened, and then wipe them down good with a
damp rag to get rid of the excess spray dust and then reassemble. I use
denatured alcohol to clean them prior to painting to make sure there
isn't any oily stuff left.

The paint hting is great if you have a cracked panel too. Reglue the
piece with super glue, fill with plastic filler (testor's for models)
and then sand until it's back to original finish. Then refinish like I
said above but be sure the item is clean (tack rag is best and very
cheap).

Hope this helps.
Received on Tue Sep 22 1998 - 11:10:45 BST