68kMLA Classic Interface

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Dyeing keyboards

Posted by: tanaquil on 2016-04-23 17:06:26 Lately someone on ebay has been listing a bunch of keyboards with portions dyed in different colors. I think they look pretty cool, though I can't afford to spring for one just now, too much spending this month. I am curious, though, to know how difficult such a mod would be. Is it the sort of thing where the supplies involved (automotive dye, etc) and the process of dyeing would be such a pain that $80 a keyboard is a good deal, or would it be an easy thing to undertake oneself?  (ETA: oh duh, I see this subject has come up recently. Oh well, if anyone has anything additional to weigh in, please do, otherwise I'll go read the threads referenced. I tried to delete this redundant post but couldn't figure out how!)

Posted by: Byrd on 2016-04-23 20:16:34 Are they actually selling?  The only reason I'd imagine it's being done is to cover up yellowed keys instead of making a statement.  Nothing stopping anyone else from doing it cheaply - a $10 - 20 can of vinyl dye, pop off the keys and away you go 🙂

Posted by: rsolberg on 2016-04-23 21:45:39 That particular seller has sold a couple in the last two weeks. I'm kind of partial to this red dyed case AEK II. It's very "red Swingline stapler." If a Classic or Classic II with ugly yellowing crossed my path, I'd consider something like this.

Posted by: archer174 on 2016-04-24 02:28:39 I'm curious how the vinyl dye will hold up with use. It's really not that durable of a finish in my experience and doesn't penetrate very deep. I've used it on CDROM/floppy faceplates in the past.

Posted by: tanaquil on 2016-04-24 06:59:18 Yep, the first few sold, and quickly too. He/she now has a slew of new ones up in the $80-100 price range, will be interesting to see how well they move. I love the idea and would be tempted to buy to avoid the trouble of dyeing (now having read the threads on how to DIY, it sounds like quite a lot of trouble...), but maybe sometime I'll try doing it myself when I want a weekend project. I wonder how they're managing to dye the entire frame of the keyboard, as opposed to the caps? Submerging it in a giant bucket? Painting it on?

Posted by: tanaquil on 2016-04-24 07:02:13 BTW the seller claims to be using SEM automotive dye on PBT plastic caps. Not sure what difference that makes re: durability, etc.

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