Thinkpads Forum

How do you clean, restore the surface of your ThinkPads?

My method, tested for years on 600E, 600X, T23, T43p, T60, T430s.

Of course be careful with the Magic Eraser polisher, it is quite soft, but after too many times of usage you would get through the top material.

1.) Dry Magic Eraser polish: remove scratches - step can be skipped if the surface is still good enough
Tested on T43p: https://youtu.be/VVmZwgfXp4I
Uncut video: https://youtu.be/A52nBgfoUFQ

2.) Wet Magic Eraser polish: remove grime & mini-sratches
Uncut video with IBM t23: https://youtu.be/8Y-OjlbiU14

3.) Cream/dubbin: darken the faded rubber/plastic, make it look more evenly in color
Tested on T60 and 600X (and T23, T430s): https://youtu.be/F50ya07onqo


T23 before and after
https://i.imgur.com/UJ0jEBK.jpg

Been there, done that: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=121754

New member, first post. Probably just pushing click bait to his Youtube content.

RealBlackStuff wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 5:54 pm

Been there, done that: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=121754

No, this is specifically a cleaning method, not a rubber removing method, but yes there have been plenty of posts on cleaning a TP Lid, even I made one.

Even if the ThinkPad rubber has been cleaned, the rubber has been deteriorated very badly due to aging; eventually, the paint on the t20 will result in the 700 series paints. Although, I am still trying to figure out a good paint mixture that properly replicates the normal ThinkPad paint.

RealBlackStuff wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 5:54 pm

Been there, done that: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=121754

Are you satisfied with the long term results with the rubber removed?

Cooler22 wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 11:45 pm

Even if the ThinkPad rubber has been cleaned, the rubber has been deteriorated very badly due to aging; eventually, the paint on the t20 will result in the 700 series paints. Although, I am still trying to figure out a good paint mixture that properly replicates the normal ThinkPad paint.

My oldest TP are 600E and X and the rubber seems in good condition with applying cream/dubbin over the years (apart from some deeper scratches). There might be a point when its too late to save some surfaces, but ME+polish is worth a try before giving up.