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    3M Vinyl Solution For Cosmetically Impaired Tops

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by afterburner1, Jul 16, 2008.

  1. afterburner1

    afterburner1 Notebook Geek

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    A solution for scratched plastic or to hide cracks. Your local sign shop has a pressue sensitive film made by 3M called Controltac (180 C 10 is white and 180 c 20 is black; there are other colors.) Another 3M product is Scotchcal that works well. I like Controltac because it will allow air to leak through the material and therefore no bubbles. With Scothchcal you have to burst each bubble with a needle to relieve the air bubble. I have done my Averatec 1050 in white and for my wife's in teal. Both look like factory quality...hope this helps. It will make your computer look like new. You can also have the sign shop print on this material a design of your choice.
     
    afterburner1, Jul 16, 2008
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  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    afterburner, can you post up any pictures, I am interested in how the vinyl worked out for you.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jul 16, 2008
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  3. afterburner1

    afterburner1 Notebook Geek

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    I can and I will, but it will look just like the factory red finish except it will be white, and the other computer teal. Actually, you have seen it on large trucks that have beautiful advertisements on their sides or fancy printing on their cabs, It's a vinyl pressure sensitive material used for outdoor advertising.
    On my 1050's I only did the top about two years ago and they are still is in perfect condition. If you don't want to do it yourself, remove the top and the sign shop will put it on. I cannot over emphisize the quality of the result.
     
    afterburner1, Jul 17, 2008
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  4. Iceman0124

    Iceman0124 More news from nowhere

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    Pics and estimated pricing would be great.
     
    Iceman0124, Jul 18, 2008
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  5. afterburner1

    afterburner1 Notebook Geek

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    [​IMG]

    This is the picture of the teal computer. White is as good, but doesnt show up as well
     
    afterburner1, Jul 18, 2008
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  6. afterburner1

    afterburner1 Notebook Geek

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    [​IMG]

    The teal computer is with Scotchcal

    The white computer is with Controltac

    The white is a strong white; the picture has a grey cast
     
    afterburner1, Jul 18, 2008
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  7. jony911

    jony911 Notebook Consultant

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    woah nice! does it get scratched or something?
     
    jony911, Jul 19, 2008
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  8. afterburner1

    afterburner1 Notebook Geek

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    You can usually get a good size piece for under ten dollars. You would need a large computer to accommodate the standard roll. Fifty feet!

    Scratching has not been a problem. None to date after two years. If it does tear or scratch, it is easy to removed and replace.
    My concern, when I first applied it, was shrinking back to its original dimention. For example you have to stretch it over corners to preclude wrinkling. I was concerned it would creep back to its original shape. That never happened. A hair dryer helped in that application.
    If there are more questions, post them and if I have the answer, I will post it
    Afterburner
     
    afterburner1, Jul 19, 2008
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