yellowing

[112]

im curious as to what this 'yellowing' is that peeps talk about when they say my console is in great nik with no yellowing. What is it and where does it come from? it sound bad so how do i prevent it. thanks in adavnce.

112

[Sarkster]

Its when white coloured consoles turn yellow.

and the worst culprit for causing it is to smoke around them

[Treble]

Some white or light-coloured plastics degrade over the years, presumably as the outer layer oxidises, like when iron rusts. Either that, or it's sunlight. Or both.

Sometimes it's just mistreatment of the console (smoking near it, dirty marks etc.), but the SNES/SFC will yellow over time no matter what.

[112]

thanks for the replies guys, but isnt there a way to stop it?i dont want me Q yellowing on me jus yet.

112

[dgnr7982]

it only happens with white consoles so far as i know - happens with the white pce and snes a lot

[Super Stu]

Here is a slightly scientific reason, which I quickly dug up: linky

[Treble]

The yellowing of the plastic is more likely the result of insufficient
anti-oxidant present in the plastic.

Hmm, thought it was something like that.

If it is important enough then storage in the dark under an inert gas is the best solution.

Problem solved! Simple!

[Super Stu]

The best you can probably hope for is to store said devices (I assume we're on about collectors here) in air tight bags, expelling as much air as possible, and then storing them away in their box.