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Apple Computing Products:
macOS - Notebook Hardware
Customize Keyboard Keys on Black Macbook
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<blockquote data-quote="pigoo3" data-source="post: 1137723" data-attributes="member: 56379"><p>More than likely if you want to remove the letters/numbers on the keys of your Apple notebook...you would have to use:</p><p></p><p>- some sort of physical method (abrasion)</p><p>- a chemical method (some sort of solvent like alcohol, acetone, etc.)</p><p>- or simply long term use...since I've seen Apple laptops with the letters/numbers worn off thru longterm use.</p><p></p><p>Obviously either the physical-abrasion or chemical method is probably what you're looking to do. As you mentioned...the abrasion method would most likely leave some sort of visible "scratching"...so this may not be a good choice. </p><p></p><p>The chemical method would most definitely work (I can almost guarantee that acetone would work)...but the problem here is the chemical used will most likely also damage the plastic the keys are made of. The acetone will "eat" into the plastic...and basically "melt" or dissolve it if the plastic is exposed to the solvent for too long.</p><p></p><p>Here is what I would suggest if I was going to try this project:</p><p></p><p>- Get some acetone from Home Depot (or similar hardware/home improvement type store)...or you could try using some nail polish remover (also contains mostly acetone)</p><p>- Use cotton balls, a small piece of paper towel, or "Q-Tips" to apply the acetone to the keys.</p><p>- have a container of water nearby</p><p>- experiment on one key only at first</p><p>- quickly (just 2-3 seconds) apply the acetone to the key surface</p><p>- then "dunk" and "swish" the key immediately in the water to neutralize the acetone that's on the surface of the key to minimize any chemical reaction with the plastic.</p><p>- if all of the letter/number on the key did not come off with the first application...you could try a 2nd application...and then dip in the water again.</p><p></p><p>You can continue to experiment with this method until you figure out what works. Also...if acetone is not doing the job...you could try a different solvent.</p><p></p><p>But remember...with this chemical method there are drawbacks. The keys generally have a smooth semi-glossy surface. If you use the chemical on them...not only may you successfully remove the letter/number printed on the key...the surface may also become tacky/sticky...and instead of being slightly glossy...it may develop a more non-shiney matte finish...due to the chemical.</p><p></p><p>In a perfect world it would be nice to have an old keyboard where you could remove a couple keys to experiment on...rather than jumping right in & experimenting on your "good" laptop keys.</p><p></p><p>Hope this helps & good luck,</p><p></p><p>- Nick</p><p></p><p>p.s. I would add that if someone else reading this post is thinking about trying this chemical method on an Apple laptop with a "backlit" keyboard...DON"T DO IT!!! The letters/numbers on these keys are not removable...since the letter/number on these keys is a "masked off" area when the keys are manufactured. The letters/numbers are actually a "clear" spot on the key surface to allow the backlit light to shine through.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pigoo3, post: 1137723, member: 56379"] More than likely if you want to remove the letters/numbers on the keys of your Apple notebook...you would have to use: - some sort of physical method (abrasion) - a chemical method (some sort of solvent like alcohol, acetone, etc.) - or simply long term use...since I've seen Apple laptops with the letters/numbers worn off thru longterm use. Obviously either the physical-abrasion or chemical method is probably what you're looking to do. As you mentioned...the abrasion method would most likely leave some sort of visible "scratching"...so this may not be a good choice. The chemical method would most definitely work (I can almost guarantee that acetone would work)...but the problem here is the chemical used will most likely also damage the plastic the keys are made of. The acetone will "eat" into the plastic...and basically "melt" or dissolve it if the plastic is exposed to the solvent for too long. Here is what I would suggest if I was going to try this project: - Get some acetone from Home Depot (or similar hardware/home improvement type store)...or you could try using some nail polish remover (also contains mostly acetone) - Use cotton balls, a small piece of paper towel, or "Q-Tips" to apply the acetone to the keys. - have a container of water nearby - experiment on one key only at first - quickly (just 2-3 seconds) apply the acetone to the key surface - then "dunk" and "swish" the key immediately in the water to neutralize the acetone that's on the surface of the key to minimize any chemical reaction with the plastic. - if all of the letter/number on the key did not come off with the first application...you could try a 2nd application...and then dip in the water again. You can continue to experiment with this method until you figure out what works. Also...if acetone is not doing the job...you could try a different solvent. But remember...with this chemical method there are drawbacks. The keys generally have a smooth semi-glossy surface. If you use the chemical on them...not only may you successfully remove the letter/number printed on the key...the surface may also become tacky/sticky...and instead of being slightly glossy...it may develop a more non-shiney matte finish...due to the chemical. In a perfect world it would be nice to have an old keyboard where you could remove a couple keys to experiment on...rather than jumping right in & experimenting on your "good" laptop keys. Hope this helps & good luck, - Nick p.s. I would add that if someone else reading this post is thinking about trying this chemical method on an Apple laptop with a "backlit" keyboard...DON"T DO IT!!! The letters/numbers on these keys are not removable...since the letter/number on these keys is a "masked off" area when the keys are manufactured. The letters/numbers are actually a "clear" spot on the key surface to allow the backlit light to shine through. [/QUOTE]
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Apple Computing Products:
macOS - Notebook Hardware
Customize Keyboard Keys on Black Macbook
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