• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

GeekwithEnvy

  • Home
  • News
  • How To / Guides
  • Featured Apps
  • Mac
  • PC
You are here: Home / chemistry / How To Make a Yellow SNES Look New

How To Make a Yellow SNES Look New

July 9, 2013 by Richard Vincenti Jr 10 Comments

Yellowing SNES

We all love our vintage electronics but the one inevitable part of collecting and using this stuff is that it starts to age. Sometimes we get lucky and things seem to hold up pretty well over the years, while others just look plain nasty. One of the most common issues is the yellowing of plastics on computers and other hardware like the Super Nintendo (SNES).

Ok, so the big question here is why is this happening at all? What’s causing my stuff to turn yellow?

Well, someone actually asked Nintendo this very question and this is the response that they got:

 

Hi!

Thank you for contacting us. That’s an interesting question! For the Super NES, this is a normal condition and no cause for alarm. Cleaning or handling the system will have minimal impact to change or revive the original color.

The Super NES, as well as our other systems, are made with a plastic containing flame-retardant chemicals to meet safety guidelines. Over time, the plastic will age and discolor both because of these chemicals as well as from the normal heat generated from the product or exposure to light. Because of the light color of the plastic of the SNES and NES, this discoloration is more easily seen than with other darker plastics such as on the N64 and the Nintendo GameCube.

Thanks for your email!
Nintendo of America Inc.
Casey Ludwig

That’s actually a fairly accurate answer as to what’s happening to our old electronics but it’s not just light and or heat that’s causing it, but also exposure to air itself. It’s pretty much unavoidable. The only time you may not have a yellowing piece of hardware is if you were lucky enough to get a balanced batch of plastic. To get a more detailed answer as to what’s going on you can get a Doctor’s official answer at VintageComputing.

Now that we know that’s causing it, let’s fix it!

There are many methods you can use to remove yellowing but the method that seems to be the most effective is the use of Hydrogen Peroxide. The big issue with using Hydrogen Peroxide is that it’s a liquid and it doesn’t stay in the area you apply it, it just runs off and makes a mess. Another problem is that the stuff you buy at the store is too diluted and therefore not strong enough to get the job done. The solution to this problem is to make a Hydrogen Peroxide gel that has a higher percentage of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) in it. This will allow you to easily put the gel on the section of plastic that you’re trying to fix.

So how do you make the gel? Here’s the best part, you don’t need to. You can actually use hair developer cream, which you can get from SallyBeauty.

Here’s what you will need:

  • A clean workspace with adequate ventilation.
  • Plastic Gloves / Eye Protection
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Salon Care 40 Volume Cream Developer  (Read the safety precautions on the developer to protect yourself)
  • A UV Light Source
  • Lot’s of Time

Depending on what your trying to clean up you may need a lot of developer, so make sure you get a larger bottle.

If you can, carefully take off the plastic parts that you are trying to clean to avoid damaging the electronics inside. If you can’t take things apart or don’t want to, then just be careful and be smart about where you place the developer.

Once the parts have a good coating of developer on them, place a piece of plastic wrap over them to avoid any evaporation and to keep things in place.

Turn on your UV light source and make sure that the affected area is getting plenty of light. For best results, wait for 24 to 36 hours before cleaning off the developer.

*Tip:

Once you have finished the process you should find that much of the yellowing has gone away. This doesn’t mean it’s gone for good though, the plastics are still composed of the same chemicals as before and will eventually begin to yellow again. Your best bet, if you want to avoid cleaning them again, is to slow down the process by applying a spray-on UV protectant coating.

**This project is something you can do at home, but you do so at your own risk!

Filed Under: chemistry, Computers, DIY, Electronics, Guides, Hardware, How To, Nintendo, Science, Technology Tagged With: chemistry, DIY, Electronics, Guide, Hardware, How To, how to make a yellow snes look new, Nintendo, SNES, yellow electronics

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lane Van Winkle says

    September 19, 2016 at 6:19 AM

    The plastic wrap left bleach like stains on it. Any idea how to remove them?

    Reply
    • Boos clues says

      November 22, 2016 at 10:56 AM

      Bleach stains kinda stays

      Reply
    • winkawas says

      June 27, 2017 at 1:33 PM

      I suffer the same problem, I prefer my yellowish SNES instead of the bleached out grey… the best solution I find to prevent the bleach stains on the plastic is to put all the yellow plastic parts on a plastic box and seal the box with plastic film and put it on direct sun light for not more than 2 hours.

      Reply
  2. Thomas says

    December 26, 2017 at 7:35 PM

    I had the same problem with 3 Snes Systems I purchased at a local Flea Market. All 3 Game Systems were badly stained up inside and outside. I completely broke them down, writing down where every piece went, where every screw goes, ETC, until I had only the plastic bottom and top to work with. (The Stained Parts!!) I put tape over the Labels located on the bottom side and backside of the bottom compartment. I wasn’t sure if the label was liquid proof or not. Didn’t want to ruin or peel the label off. I tried everything, soaking them in Bleach, Bleach leaves a white film on it. Peroxide helps, still has light noticeable staining. I even used Goof off spray, it removes a lot of the stains but leaves streaks of brown that it did not remove, Use with caution… I finally got 95% of the stains out by doing this. Call this crazy. After taping up the labels, spraying it with goof off and realizing that I had one big ugly mess. I had an idea, I just repaired and painted my Firebird quarter panel and I wondered if the stains on the Super Nintendo would come out just like paint comes off a car when you use a block with sand paper. I was surprised to find out that it does remove the stains, I was able to remove all stains with no ruff spots, Only problem with this is getting into the nooks and cranny’s and it removes that Glossy Shine. Looks very Nice, you can’t tale I’ve hand sanded it but, like I said it doesn’t have that glossy shine like new. Plus you half to think of the cost of sand paper and it is time consuming. I sprayed it with goof off, let it soak 20 mins. Rinsed with water and dried, then sand paper. I used 100 gritt sand paper to remove the heavy staining and then 400 fine Gritt to make sure all was smooth. Taping over the labels will protect them from getting scuffed by sand paper. Do not spray goof off on anything but the plastic that is stained. Do not spray on purple buttons they will turn a light dull purple color, do not spray on any label, sticker or Logo cause it will remove it. Do this at your own risk, I am not responsible to the outcome or damage to your game console. Use Caution and stay safe using chemicals. Use a mask while sanding and do this in a open area. Where gloves and safety glasses. Keep all work material up and away from children. I plan to buy some clear gloss to restore the game systems shine. I will post if it is successful. S2P

    Reply
    • Don says

      November 29, 2022 at 10:44 AM

      I’m wayyy late to the game, but great info! I was going to spend hours trying this, but I’m thinking now I’ll pass.

      Reply
    • Mike says

      February 15, 2023 at 8:23 AM

      McGuire’s buffing compound and wax. That’s what I used to restore the shine on electronics or to fix the paint transfer on vacuum cleaners from where they bump into quarter round and such. I also use it on the clear acrylic brush roll section on vacuums like sharks to make it perfect and clear again. I attach a small foam buffing wheel to a high-speed hand drill, apply a little rubbing compound (personally I like McGuire’s ultimate compound as I don’t have to wax afterwards) and lightly buff the areas until they look new.

      Reply
  3. Tetristan says

    March 6, 2018 at 8:04 AM

    Instead of doing this, i figured the best way was to just buy a new casing for 20 dollars on ebay. Within a month i had a brand new looking snes

    Reply
    • Scott k says

      January 31, 2021 at 1:48 PM

      After just just reading the comment from the guy who used sand paper and goof off……good lord THIS is the right answer!! lol

      THANKS!

      Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    December 8, 2018 at 3:46 PM

    I have one of those verilux full spectrum lamps, would that be ok for the light needed?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. SNES Mini – Alternatives For When You Can’t Get One Because They Didn’t Make Enough – BitlandGaming says:
    February 18, 2018 at 1:11 PM

    […] today, and is unlikely to be in particularly good condition. Many of them have yellowed with age (which can be rectified, if you really want to), and the controllers are likely to be wearing out. You may get lucky […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Looking for Something?

Please follow & like us :)

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Post on X
YouTube






Tags

Android App Apple Apps Blizzard blizzard entertainment Computers Electronics Featured App Film Games Gaming Guide Hardware How To internet iOS iPad iPhone Mac Microsoft Mobile NASA News Nintendo OSX PC Playstation 4 ps4 Science Software Sony Space Star Wars Technology trailer Updates video video games Web Windows windows 8 World Of Warcraft Xbox youtube

Footer

  • About Us
  • GWE Podcast
  • GWE Classic
  • Support

Pages

  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • About Us
  • GWE Podcast
  • Support

Archives

Copyright © 2025 · eleven40 Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT