How do you get rid of the whiteness forming on dried out plastic eyeglasses frames?

Question

My older plastic eyeglass frames have developed some white blotches where the plastic is drying out. I tried mineral oil on someone's suggestion, which didn't work. The frames are otherwise great, and I'd like to know how to moisturize them and keep them looking nice.

Answer 1

This is the placticizer coming to the surface and it just keeps happening. The only thing that has ever worked for me is to take an old piece of flannel and stretch it really tight over your finget and buff the frame out with a little dab of real acetone. You have to be careful as you can also ruin them if you get too much or do not buff fast enough.  

Answer 2

that oxidation is the plastic deteriorating, and possibly seperating from itself.

Clean whatever you had put on them. IDK what color they are, but if they are clear, put a dab of crazy glue on there.

f they are black, use shoe polish, or rub black silicone caulk on it until the caulk and spot are gone.

Answer 3

Thing is, that oxidation is like rust , it comes from the inside, and comes to the surface. So hiding it won't last long , it will keep coming back out.

I have never heard of any tricks that work to stop the progression once it has started...I don't think the material can actually be moisturized again. Once it has dried out, it won't absorb anything.

I've been working with them for 38 years....and have tried many ways.