Cosmetic replicas

William Donzelli wrote: Yep - hence the reason for keeping samples of the original paint, though. I can see that someone in the future might be interested in the original paint used (although doesn't that in itself open a whole can of worms in terms of UV exposure and the like?). I just wouldn't like the future possibility of a handful of people being interested in the paintwork compromising the preservation of an item in the medium term (and the same goes for other components) Well, I suppose it's not *that* over the top - providing that it's a *certainty* that the wax is non-reactive over time :-) Mind you, experience of old cars is that moisture often gets beneath the paintwork and attacks the metal, causing rust, which then only starts showing through to the surface and becoming visible once it's taken a good hold beneath. I doubt that computer cabinets are any different - so that wax coating better be darn good if it's going to stop further deterioration beneath the new coat of paint... In the case of plastic, isn't it UV exposure that causes the yellowing? So yep, that certainly makes sense as the paint coat should both improve the look of the item and stop the plastic itself from breaking down further. Of course, I'm not sure how someone would remove the paint at some future date without whatever method used (chemical or blasting) also damaging the plastic itself... cheers Jules