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The repairs done to the plastic (or any
other type of material) is often very painstaking. To properly repair
a fracture or crack in a plastic case takes a number of steps. 1st the
crack or fracture must be cleaned to remove all foreign material
(grease, dirt and other contaminants). Then the proper adhesive,
usually a cyanocrylate or epoxy (depending on the type of plastic)
must be chosen and worked into the crack or fracture. I then clamp in
place until cured. After curing is complete I "micro-sand" to smooth
it out and make the repair as invisible as possible (micro-sanding
consists of using a series of flexible sanding cloths from 1500 to
8000 grit). Depending on the staining at the fracture depends on
whether the repair will be invisible or not. Prior to applying the
adhesive I also attempt to "bleach out" any stains. This is not always
possible as some plastics absorb contaminants. After all the sanding
is done the finishing touch is a good rubbing with a plastic polish.
This makes a nice solid, smooth repair even if the fracture or crack
is still visible.
If there are chunks or
pieces missing and I deem it worthwhile I will mold in a suitable
material that I have dyed to match the original color, then go through
the above process to blend it in. I don't do this very often as it
take sooooooooo much time, but I have been know to do it just for the
challenge.
The above processes are
very time consuming and often is not worth the time it takes. I would
not consider doing it for anyone but myself. My practice is to do the
best I can when I restore something whether I intend to keep it or not.
click
here for an example of one of my
repairs click
here for more info on restorations |