What's new
Pinball info

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Why do genuine plastics smell like sick?

lukewells

Site Supporter
10 Years
Joined
May 1, 2012
Messages
2,631
Location
Blackpool, UK
Over the years, I have learnt to be able to tell the difference between genuine new old stock plastics and reproductions by the smell.

I was just reminded of this now as I opened up a box in the loft and the horrible smell hit me. Yep a nice box of old plastics.

If plastics smell like plastic, then they are reproductions and if they smell like sick then they are genuine

I've always wondered what it is? Is it the plastic itself, a chemical used in the printing process?
 
True, Never thought about how to tell them apart that way. But yes it is more than likely the best way.
 
I bought some Gorgar ones off the bay several years ago, i too wondered why the hell they smelt of vomit.
 
Old plastics are just like this. Modern plastics are much more stable and use different chemicals. I remember as a child in the 70s my Dad had several screwdrivers with large glossy orange handles that smelled just like vomit.

I don't know what material old pinball plastics are made of but if it was something like cellulose acetate then it'll be in an almost permanent state of decay, leading to the production of rather pungent acidic gases, e.g., acetic acid which has a sharp vinegar odour.

The main thing to prolong the life of these sorts of plastics is to keep them dry. Gently baking inside a warm pinball machine mounted on little posts to ensure good airflow is probably just about the ideal storage environment!
 
Heh, always the same with Luke and I... Think of it as Steptoe and Son, you guess which is which. :D
 
Back
Top Bottom