Uploaded May 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video is a description of a submergence heat-only retrobrite technique primarily developed for those in northern latitudes (like myself). This video took 2 weeks of testing to get the recipe correct and there will be a follow-up video showing the entire process from start to finish.
Editor's Note: I will say in the video several times that I am leery of UV light in any retrobrite process. 50 years of polymer research says that UV light damages plastic. Processes like "Lightbrighting" do not disprove this research but indicate another process is acting on the discoloration faster than the damage can occur as UV damage tends to be a slow process - particularly with ABS that has been treated with UV protectant.
Caution: This process - like all retrobrite processes - is not without its risks and could damage your pieces if not done thoughtfully and correctly.
The Recipe
3% hydrogen peroxide solution
170 f / 77 c degree heat
45 minutes - 1 hour in solution
This video is a description of a submergence heat-only retrobrite technique primarily developed for those in northern latitudes (like myself). This video took 2 weeks of testing to get the recipe correct and there will be a follow-up video showing the entire process from start to finish.
Editor's Note: I will say in the video several times that I am leery of UV light in any retrobrite process. 50 years of polymer research says that UV light damages plastic. Processes like "Lightbrighting" do not disprove this research but indicate another process is acting on the discoloration faster than the damage can occur as UV damage tends to be a slow process - particularly with ABS that has been treated with UV protectant.
Caution: This process - like all retrobrite processes - is not without its risks and could damage your pieces if not done thoughtfully and correctly.
The Recipe
3% hydrogen peroxide solution
170 f / 77 c degree heat
45 minutes - 1 hour in solution
