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Cabinet and Chassis Restoration and Refinishing For help with cabinet or chassis restoration (non-electrical), please leave a message here. |
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1st May 2020, 2:19 pm | #1 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 88
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Main panel cleaning
I have a rather scruffy looking Akai 4000D on the way from ebay.
What's recommended for cleaning the main front panel without damaging any of the lettering? I have Brasso and Autosol in the house if they're suitable. I'm assuming the front panel will be aluminium, and haven't tried them on that before. Thanks a lot. |
1st May 2020, 2:28 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK.
Posts: 8,302
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Re: Main panel cleaning
For goodness sake don't use Brasso! Use White Spirit.
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Edward. |
1st May 2020, 2:38 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wembley, Middlesex
Posts: 7,219
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Re: Main panel cleaning
i use Servisol Foam cleanser
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1st May 2020, 3:07 pm | #4 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,787
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Brasso and Autosol are both abrasive, as is T-Cut.
Whatever you use, always try it out on an inconspicuous area first. The various inks and paints used for front panel lettering can become unstable with time and can just wipe away in seconds. |
1st May 2020, 3:53 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 6,587
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Re: Main panel cleaning
I also have found Servisol Foam cleanser good.
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1st May 2020, 4:52 pm | #6 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 88
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Okay, I'll get some Servisol foam then.
Cheers all. |
1st May 2020, 6:26 pm | #7 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 2,814
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Before trying any harsh chemicals on it, try just a damp cloth! I have microfibre cloths that I just use water with, not dripping wet, just wrung out well, and give it a good going over with that. If it’s really dirty I take apart said item and give it a wash in warm water with a bit of hand soap.
Regards Lloyd |
2nd May 2020, 3:42 pm | #8 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 83
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Re: Main panel cleaning
I'm with Lloyd: cloth, warm water and detergent or hand soap gets most muck off
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2nd May 2020, 4:43 pm | #9 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 3,315
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Re: Main panel cleaning
If it is aluminium then it's probably anodised. As said before a clean with soapy water should get most muck off. Remove the panel and it'll be easier.
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2nd May 2020, 5:20 pm | #10 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 88
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Re: Main panel cleaning
I have some Servisol foam cleaner on the way, but I'll try soap and water first anyway.
Now that the machine is here with me, the anodising looks a bit shot in places. When I manage to get the panel off I can give it a clean and see what's what. Cheers. |
2nd May 2020, 8:28 pm | #11 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 6,587
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Yes soapy water (I sometimes use diluted washing up liquid) works well, the Servisol as well as a good cleaner can also remove some stubborn stains and can give a nice shine,
As others have pointed out, always first test any cleaning product/method on a small area to make sure that it is not going to cause a problem |
2nd May 2020, 11:51 pm | #12 |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Cornwall, UK.
Posts: 2,315
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Even then, be careful. I'm repairing a clock (thankfully not valuable) for a relative and have had a night of re-lettering the dial with the finest Rotrings in my possession, after a suite of careful cleaning tests lulled me into a false sense of security and I discovered to my horror that after the second pass the maker's name was coming off. A salutary lesson in never being too careful, and terribly embarrassing.
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3rd May 2020, 4:31 pm | #13 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks. UK.
Posts: 2,552
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Seeing the corrosion to the heads is so bad why spend time and effort on the main panel until the head problem is resolved ?
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When I die, please don't let my Wife sell my collection for the amount I told her I paid for it! |
7th May 2020, 1:59 am | #14 | |
Tetrode
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 88
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Quote:
Even if the heads turn out to be knackered, I'll do it for the experience, and to see if I can make a decent job of it. |
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7th May 2020, 2:33 pm | #15 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Heysham, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 665
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Be very careful with foam cleaners. Some are safe in panel lettering, some just take all the lettering off. Guess how I know that.
Stuart |
7th May 2020, 2:54 pm | #16 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Main panel cleaning
Another one for Servisol foam cleanser. Does an amazing job and is just about the best for not affecting lettering. Use cotton buds and/or a toothbrush to get into corners and around awkward shapes.
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