🎸 A FOOLPROOF method to whiten yellowed plastic! Restore the look of your instrument!🎶

In this captivating video, I show you a foolproof method to rejuvenate and whiten yellowed plastic on an instrument...

Over time, plastic parts of guitars, such as pickguards, potentiometer knobs or truss rod plates, tend to yellow. This color change is caused by exposure to UV light and air, which alter the chemical composition of the plastic. While some consider this patina to be a vintage charm, others prefer to regain the original whiteness. Today, we discover a simple and effective method to restore their shine, using a product that you probably already have at home.

Why Do Plastics Turn Yellow?

Yellowing of plastics is a natural process linked to two main factors:

  1. UV exposure : Sunlight breaks the chemical bonds in plastic, causing its color to change.
  2. Oxidation : Plastics react with oxygen in the air, changing their appearance over time.

These effects are amplified by the presence of certain chemical substances in the plastic, such as flame retardants or stabilizers.

The Solution: Hydrogen Peroxide

The key product in this method is hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent commonly used for household and medical applications. It is readily available at drugstores and typically comes in two forms: liquid or cream. We will explore both options and their results.

Necessary Materials

  • Hydrogen peroxide (3% or 12%)
  • A sheet or container to hold the product
  • Plastic film
  • Protective gloves
  • Sunlight or UV lamp

First Test: Liquid Peroxide (3%)

For this test, I used 3% hydrogen peroxide, a very common antiseptic product. Here is the process followed:

  1. Preparation : The yellowed parts of the guitar were immersed in a sheet of metal containing liquid peroxide.
  2. Exposure : The whole thing was covered with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation, then placed under strong sunlight.
  3. Duration : I left the pieces on display for several hours.

Results

Unfortunately, this first attempt did not produce the desired results. Although the peroxide reacted with the plastic, the low concentration and liquid nature of the product limited its effectiveness. It was difficult to maintain uniform contact with the parts, resulting in uneven and weak whitening.

Second Test: Peroxide Cream (12%)

To improve the results, I tried an alternative: 12% hydrogen peroxide cream, often used for bleaching hair. This product has two major advantages:

  • Higher concentration for more effective action.
  • A creamy texture that facilitates even application.

Improved Process

  1. Application : I applied a coat of cream peroxide to the yellowed parts.
  2. Wrapping : Each piece was wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent leaks and optimize contact.
  3. Exposure : The pieces were placed in the sun, and I adjusted their position throughout the day to maximize exposure.

Improved Results

The results were spectacular! The high concentration and better adhesion of the product effectively removed the yellowing. The parts were restored to their original whiteness or even better. This method proved to be simple, fast and very effective.

Precautions to Take

  • Skin protection : Peroxide may cause irritation or burns. Wear gloves and avoid direct contact with skin.
  • Ventilation : Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of fumes.
  • Exposure to the sun : Make sure the pieces are securely fastened to prevent them from moving during the exhibition.

Conclusion

This experiment showed that yellowing of plastic parts can be reversed with the right approach. While 3% liquid hydrogen peroxide is readily available, it offers limited results. On the other hand, 12% cream peroxide is a much more effective solution for restoring the whiteness of yellowed guitar parts.

In the next videos, I will continue to work on this guitar, including completely replacing its electronics. If you liked this experiment, consider subscribing to the channel so you don't miss any of the next steps!

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