VOGONS


First post, by tikoellner

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I was wondering if any of the users has some thoughts or experience with refinishing old cases. I'm not asking about whitening plastics, but rather about removing visual defects as moderate scratches.

I have two scratches on my 286 case (both sides of the faceplate) and I would like to remove them or at least make them less noticable.

There are two options in general: to polish the surface or to fill the scratch. I don't like the idea of polishing the case, as the structure of the plastic would be impossible to restore (or am I wrong?). The idea would be to use some kind of white filler. While the colour could be hard to match, I don't mind any slight discoloration as much as those scratches.

I think the scratches are ~0,5mm deep, ~1mm wide and ~1cm long. Not very nice really and quite eye-catching they are.
Will appreciate all your ideas.

Reply 1 of 4, by .legaCy

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Well when i was restoring the case of my first pc i decided to go on the easy way.
I managed to get one can of spray paint that matched almost perfectly the original color, and i covered some parts like chrome parts and buttons and LED with tape then i spray painted the whole case including the internal parts because there was some rust going on and as soon i removed the rust i painted to prevent.
But its not the better way to go.

Reply 2 of 4, by Brickpad

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You could try using super-fine (2000+) grit automotive sandpaper, preferably designed for finish coats and wet-sanding.

Reply 3 of 4, by kaputnik

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A few closeup photos in good lighting, with a ruler or something for scale, would probably help in determining a suitable method 😀

My guess based on the given information is that it'll land on some kind of filler and a recreation of the original structure though.

Reply 4 of 4, by candle_86

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I've done it with putty for deep gouges then paint to match as best you can unless you own a booth and a gun then you can have them match the plastic for a can of paint 🤣.