[GreenKeys] Model 33 ASR Keyboard Key Cap Restoration

[Jim Haynes]

Seems like someone said the white stuff is actually a plasticizer and
that a hair dryer will soften it to where it can be wiped off.


On Mon, 2 Feb 2015, Donald Lampert via GreenKeys wrote:

> The white oxidation is also common to some 1950's typewriter keys ( mainly Royals, like the Quiet DeLuxe/Arrow/Keystone, and HH lines) you think it's mold, but it's slightly greasy and wont come off well with just windex, or household cleaner. Ironically it's the Royals with the plastic looking green keys - maybe it's a "greenkey" thing
> Don L
> --------------------------------------------
> On Sat, 1/31/15, David Tumey via GreenKeys <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
> Subject: [GreenKeys] Model 33 ASR Keyboard Key Cap Restoration
> To: "Greenkeys" <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
> Date: Saturday, January 31, 2015, 7:21 PM
>
> Doug,
> Just my $.02 on the key cap restoration work I
> have done for my machines with excellent results.
> As you can see in the 'before' photos, the
> caps were covered with a chalky-white 'oxidation'
> (for lack of a better word).
> Step 1 - I removed each key from the KB one at a
> time and cleaned with some 0-0-0-0 steel wool dipped in a
> solution of 50% Linseed oil and 50% mineral
> spirits.
> Step 2 - Wet sanded the sides and top with #800
> wet/dry paper + water.  The lettering is molded into
> the cap, so you do not have to worry about removing it when
> you use an abrasive.
> Step 3 - Polished the key cap with a stitched
> buffing wheel in a drill press and a fine polish.  This
> brought the cap back to a nice gloss.
> Step 4 - Applied some Turtle Wax "ICE",
> then removed with a soft microfiber cloth.
> Step 5 - Applied a light film of Remington Gun oil
> to the key lever and replaced it in the keyboard.
> I did this for 4 KB's in all, and they all
> look just like the 'after' photo.  I restored
> the spacebar the same way.
> Hope this helps.
> --daveW5DT
> -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
>
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