Restoring Cases - Any suggestions?

[AndyL]

G'day All,

Got a few cases here I'd like to make look a little more reasonable... Anyone have some suggestions on how to do it?

Got the standard Gillette plastic cases from the 50's, all kinds of hazing/cracks/scuffs broken hinges... Sure we all have seen the nice condition they're usually in... Looked at some plastic refinishing pastes/powders/buffing options - but it's all dependant on what plastic it is - anyone know?

Got a couple military pouches / cases - these ones - I really want/need to clean up; but I definitely don't want to damage them... Some of the pouches without any backing in them - those are just a hand wash scenario. But the hard case'd ones - interior / exteriors are filthy; but not knowing what lies behind... Any idea how to clean these up?

The velvety lining in some of the higher end cases? Any way to make it somewhat presentable?


Thanks in advance,

 

[AsylumGuido]

Most of the cases are styrene. I have found that Turtle Wax Car Polish works well. Try it on a really bad case first. I also clean the styrene cases with rubbing alcohol before polishing. I have also used Flitz polish on cases with success.

As for the velvet/felt lined cases, blowing them out with canned air helps a lot.

 

[Dustinl]

I have used WD-40 on plastic cases with excellent results.


DL

 

[Gillette4259]

WD-40 that's another one to add to my arsenal.
I got a knack case that was so yellow and hazy you couldn't see what was in the case. For the yellowing I soaked the case in hydrogen peroxide for about 6 hr's and did the turtle chrome wax on it and it worked out great.

 

[RocketMan]

Canned Air - great idea!

How about adding some gloss/luster back to the old leather gillette cases like the Traveller, or even new ones like an Executive? I know that some things will dry them out and cause problems in the long run - any ideas?

 

[Gillette4259]

I wounder if just good old saddle soap would do it, it cleans and shines I think
I've used it for holsters and belts. U may try out a little spot to see what happens.

 

[RocketMan]

I wounder if just good old saddle soap would do it, it cleans and shines I think
I've used it for holsters and belts. U may try out a little spot to see what happens.

I have been meaning to try some out. I think I will pick some up and see how it goes - thnx!

I have been wondering about the car wax though. I have heard before that people use this stuff. I imagine for the short term it might spruce up a plastic case. But as wax ages and oxidizes it can become pretty yicky stuff - and it doesn't take too long really. I would be concerned that for longer term storage of items that have already made it 60 or 70 years, I might be contributing to their demise over the next few years. It would be rather counterproductive to speed up the deterioration of a case for short term gain rather than contribute to preserving a piece. I am always nervous when I pick up a styrene case on ebay that the case will have been recently wax treated to make it more saleable. The wax would not be easy to remove without causing some problems I would think. Am I wrong about this??

 

[AsylumGuido]

I have been meaning to try some out. I think I will pick some up and see how it goes - thnx!

I have been wondering about the car wax though. I have heard before that people use this stuff. I imagine for the short term it might spruce up a plastic case. But as wax ages and oxidizes it can become pretty yicky stuff - and it doesn't take too long really. I would be concerned that for longer term storage of items that have already made it 60 or 70 years, I might be contributing to their demise over the next few years. It would be rather counterproductive to speed up the deterioration of a case for short term gain rather than contribute to preserving a piece. I am always nervous when I pick up a styrene case on ebay that the case will have been recently wax treated to make it more saleable. The wax would not be easy to remove without causing some problems I would think. Am I wrong about this??

It's not wax, it is a polish. The brand name is Turtle Wax. From their web site:

Blend of urethane polymers fills-in light surface scratches and swirl marks to provide a deep, rich, high gloss shine.

 

[*King G*]

I'll have to try the hydrogen peroxide trick- sounds good!

 

[RocketMan]

It's not wax, it is a polish. The brand name is Turtle Wax. From their web site:

Blend of urethane polymers fills-in light surface scratches and swirl marks to provide a deep, rich, high gloss shine.

What the heck. I have a Schick case that could really use a fill-in of its light surface scratches and swirl marks as well as a deep, rich high gloss shine! I can't resist that sales pitch!! I will pop in a store today, pick one up and give it a go. I guess if it is all right for a Lexus, it might just do my razor case!

thnx

 

[AsylumGuido]

What the heck. I have a Schick case that could really use a fill-in of its light surface scratches and swirl marks as well as a deep, rich high gloss shine! I can't resist that sales pitch!! I will pop in a store today, pick one up and give it a go. I guess if it is all right for a Lexus, it might just do my razor case!

thnx

I usually use a 100% cotton t-shirt as a polishing cloth.