Restoration: Bleaching the Beige Parts to White Again

Since the 70's many plastics contain bromine, a flame retardant that is the culprit behind the yellowing (this would explain why my 1968 GI Joe Seawolf submarine was still bright white in 2009 even though it predates the A Frame house by 10 years). It is a chemical process that has been discovered to be REVERSIBLE! Its done by making a paste of corn starch (or xanthum gum), 12% hydrogen peroxide and oxyclean (generic at Family Dollar), alternately it seems you can use peroxide cream from Sally Beauty Supply, or the proprietary RetrObright. Brush on with a flat paint brush (much like a BBQ brush, but wider), wrap in cellophane and leave in the sun or a UV lamp all day, rinse, dry and enjoy.

http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-how-whiten-your-yellowed-plastic-gadgets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysj2PlMPohE

http://lifehacker.com/5164208/retr0bright-restores-yellowed-vintage-plastic-to-factory-fresh


Many vintage Apple and Nintendo nerds are using this with success, so lets hope this works with the Barbie house. Please post comments and email pictures so other readers can use techniques that work best. =-)

 

I have tried this technique using Salon Care Professional 20 volume regular lift creme stabilized formula 4 ounces for $3.00 at Sally Beauty Supply.

The supplies you'll need. This one small container technically will cover all of your white A frame pieces once, but if you want to really drown parts in it or add a second application then buy the large container its only $5 I think.  

The during should look something like this. I used dollar store seran wrap. 

After, the left side is what I decided came up good enough to not paint. The right side lightened some, but not enough, so will have to be painted. These were left in the hot sun all day for 2 days (flipping sides on the second day). 

So, in summary what happened is that the parts that were slightly discolored lightened enough to not be painted, the parts that were very discolored lightened some, but not enough and will have to be painted. Verdict: I could try a different creme, or make my own using the above mentioned ingredients (and even make it stronger) and perhaps achieve better results, however, for this house I am pretty sure I will just paint the dingy half and call it a day this time. 

The left side parts are not perfectly sparkly white like when I do a repaint, but overall its better to have non painted parts, it technically devalues the house since you have to disclose its painted. It is more work to have to clean everything, creme bleach it, clean again and still have to paint half the parts anyway. So, totally a labor of love if you are up for it. =-) 

So, when you receive a house that is this far gone, you now know how to brighten the white without having to paint it. It still is surprising to me how faded roofs and floors look so much darker and richer once the white walls are lightened. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom