How do I remove the "aged color" from white plastic?

Question

The white plastic is the casing to a therapeutic ultrasound. There was a sticker on there and I removed it only to discover that it was the original cover color, white. It looks like it has been 'smoked stained' and yet, never has been around smoke.

I don't want to paint over it, it just looks gross and I want to restore it.

Is there a way to do this?

Answer 1

if you really want to restore the color, you will need to spray paint it with a paint made for plastics..  I must paint plastics at my job frequently.  Just mask off the parts you do not want paint on, and all lenses, lights, buttons etc. and paint it... it is the only way I know of to restore discolored plastics.  *make sure to get a paint that is made for vinyl or plastics.  and remember, 2 light coats is better than one heavy coat.

Answer 2

Try a mix of warm tap water and white spirit vinegar (50/50).  Use a soft cloth and wipe on a spot that is not prominent as a first try.

If this does not work, then  am sorry I do not know what will, but it is cheap and worth a try.  white plastic discolours with age and sunshine.

I found Tip No. 21 on the page below very helpful.

Answer 3

There are many different compositions of plastic and some change more than others. Air and sunlight tend to make plastic change colors and there is very little you can do to reverse that.

Answer 4

try bleach, i use it and all my  white plastic comes up realy white. dont use the thin stuff use the thick bleach.

Answer 5

Plastic breaks down and crystallizes over time and this process is accelerated by ultraviolet light (emitted from fluorescent bulbs).  There's not much you can do to revive the color once this process has begun.  The discoloration is caused by the structural composition of the molecules in the plastic.  I've read somewhere that plastic is prone to ultrasonic frequency resonance, but I doubt that the ultrasound machine would be strong enough to bleach the plastic.  That would probably require waves as strong as those emitted by something such as an ultrasonic instrument cleaner.

Answer 6

Same as the other answers, or........

Treat yourself to a new one?

Smoke Stains are horrendous and very difficult to remove

ghastly!

Answer 7

umm same as answer number #1.