[ltp] Polishing the case of an X20

[Bret Comstock Waldow]

On Wed, 24 Aug 2005 06:13, Rolf Leggewie wrote:
> Hi,
>
> the X20 I bought off-lease had an inventory sticker on it which I
> removed with Isopropanol (a type of alcohol). 

I'd be surprised if something as benign as isopropyl alcohol damaged the 
plastic of a Thinkpad case.  Acetone maybe would solve the plastic.


> The area where I applied 
> the solvent looks a bit rougher than the rest of the case now.  I read
> somewhere on the net that Thinkpad cases are easy to "polish".  I was
> wondering if anyone had a recommendation on what type of cleaner/solvent
> to use to get back a smooth finish for the case.

I suspect rather that the rest of the case has been worn smooth from use, and 
the area protected by the sticker has the original 'tooth' still as it came 
from the factory.  That's what happened when my T21 came off warranty and I 
removed the stickers.

I took them off my T42 as soon as I received it, so the wear will be even.

I'm not looking at your machine, so perhaps something else has occurred.  My 
T21 palmrest and keys are worn shiny from use - the original is a matt 
finish, and the case felt like fine sand.  Shiny plastic scratches easily, so 
the original has some roughness.  Cuts down on glare too.

Cheers,
Bret