Solution to get rid of scratch mark on PB

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I disagree Karth, You can not say with absolute authority that the polish did not work. So far it worked for one user and did not work for you. My suggestion is that one more person try this out and post the results. Then we can be sure. I like my scratch and now consider my Powerbook a relic.

John-

I can say with 100% absolute certainty that after following the previous users instructions exactly and using billet polish on an inconspicuous part of my case, that it does not work at all. Moreover, it RUINS the finish.

If you do not wish to believe me, please do try it yourself- I would suggest polishing the top of the cover right next to the Apple. Be sure to keep rubbing for several minutes, then post back your results so that we can all benefit from your new found enlightenment.

b Karth Vahlnar,
Archmagus of Aqualuna

There used to be a product called Ti-paint to paint Ti Powerbooks. Is there a similar product?

Here is web site. http://www.tipaint.com/

The site references another site (which is not working) that provides paint for Aluminum models. Here is that site http://www.buyconceal.com/

I make no warranties or representations concerning these products but thought someone would want to check it out.

All of these products and many others have been suggested and rejected by users over the past two years. The aluminum models are anodized, not painted, so it would follow that any type of paint or coating one would use would be as or more noticeable than the scratch. Any type of buffing or rubbing compound will also accentuate the scratch and damage the surrounding surface as well.

As the Terms and Conditions for the use of this site say:

Test your answer. When possible, make sure your answer works on your own computer before you post it.

This is one topic which people post about that consistently fails to meet that threshold.

Tuttle

Jonathan,

Be my guest and try it out. I dont think that anyone wants to test a product on their $2K and up PB. I understand what you are saying but you have to realize that it is asking a lot of someone to potentially ruin the finish on their expensive PB. What makes it even harder is that we have heard one instince when it has not worked.

-Folie

Test your answer. When possible, make sure your answer works on your own computer before you post it.

I agree wholeheartedly. I tested it, and then answered it. With full authority from my own personal experience, tested on my own personal machine, the use of billet polish is NOT recommended and will irreversably damage the finish of the Aluminum PowerBook. Billet, as accurately described above, is an unfinished aluminum. Thus, one would not expect a polish designed for that particular surface to work properly on an anodized surface such as that comprising the case of the PowerBooks.

In short, there is no presently recognized reliable scratch remover for the Aluminum PowerBook line.

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Karth Vahlnar
Archmagus of Aqualuna

Your honesty is blowing a potential ebay sale. You could maybe get two or three times what you paid for it.

Test your answer. When possible, make sure your answer works on your own computer before you post it.

Doesn't the following earlier post below answer this statement just as well as Karth's?

But you also said, "There is no way to remove the scratch." You present this as a statement of fact, when in fact, you haven't seen the scratch and have no way to know if that is true. I don't know if my suggestion will work for him or not. But I have no reason to assume that a compound designed to polish anodized aluminum will damage anodized aluminum, especially when it didn't damage mine. All I know is it worked for me, which means yes, there might actually be some way to remove the scratch. Again, I don't know if it will work for him, but I do know one thing: neither do you.

I refer to the statement where this user states he fully tested the product on his computer with no damage and further more worked for him.

If you have a scratch and you can't stand it try it. If it doesn't bother you don't fix it. From my point of view reading all the posts we can't say with absolute fact that it does or doesn't work. It would be nice to have some pictures posted so users can judge for themselves if it is worth the effort.

I also think that you shouldn't stress about scratches. (I know many people disagree) My powerbook has scratches and pitting where my hand lies on the part below the keyboard.

As a musician I use this example;

What looks better?
-A brand new Fender Stratocaster made by a machine in 2003
-Or a Battered to **** Fender Stratocaster hand crafted in 1954

I would say the 1954!

I know that this is unrelated to computers and that many people would disagree but what would the world be like if we all agreed?

-Sam

Jonathan-

It doesn't work. Period. It is not designed for anodized aluminum. Period. Time for you to accept reality.

Karth-

I am simply pointing out that one user had success and and one didn't. Don't be so quick to write it off based solely on your experience.

Did you ever get the black pits on your palm rests? That poster stated all users would get that problem. You pointed out some might and some might not. Same situation here some might have success some might not.

I'm a scientist!

Hmmmnnn - am a little surprised you would go down the billet polish road, but admire your willingness to take one for the team! + from me for making the effort to conduct an unbiased scientific experiment.

OK Jon. Sure. Some people can use billet polish to restore their powerbook to a like new finish. Others, like me, will destroy the finish using the exact same product.

Now either I am too stupid to use polish correctly, or you are flat out wrong. And I am certain that I am not stupid.

Hey- you know what? I'll bet that the billet polish only works on powerbooks that have the pitting palm rest problem! Maybe Apple forgot to anodize those particular cases, thus permitting the billet polish to work!

Do you think we should post that suggestion as a possible solution in the pitting palm rest thread?

+ from me for making the effort to conduct an unbiased scientific experiment.

Alas, it seems to some, it was a biased experiment. Read further down, shazza, as the debate rages on...

Wanna buy some barely used billet polish?