What type of paint to use on XL hardware, also another Q inside.

[Ross PK]

I guess this should be posted in the restoration topic, but I'm worried not many people will see this.

 

So I want to restore my 800XL. The cream colour has yellowed and I'd like to paint it it's original colour again.

 

Anyone know of anywhere where I could get cream colour paint that's just like the cream on an XL for plastic?

 

The white lettering on the keys has also faded, I'm not sure if there is a better method of trying to restoring them other than having a really steady hand and painting them white with a really thin brush.

 

Also, should I remove the plastic covering over the badge? It's bubbled a little and the corner is peeling off, which adds to making my 800XL look tatty, I'm worried that it may be there to protect the lettering though.

 

If I do restore it, I will video it for Youtube.

 

Thanks.

 

Already have plans for fixing up the original XE joystick, it has no rubber over the stick so I'm going to try and make a replacement with polystyrene, liquid rubber, and then paint it black, I may also paint the rest of the joystick silver.

Edited May 12, 2008 by Ross PK

[mimo]

The best paint is supposed to be Krylon fusion for plastics, the paint bonds to the plastic, and they have a couple of shades that may be ok for Atari Use, but I only found one distributer in the UK, and they will only send by special courier which made it very expensive.

I may look into it again though to paint my very yellow 400 and 800

 

Linky-poo to manufacturers web shite

 

Sorry can't remember who stocked it in the UK, it was a bit of a hit and miss with Google IIRC

 

Other alternative is lots of thin layers of Plasticote (B+Q do it) but it will probably wear off after a while

Edited May 12, 2008 by mimo

[Ross PK]

You know something, my Dreamcast is starting to yellow now too *sigh*. I've kept it like new since I got it in late '99, but I guess nothing can stop the ravages of time.