[NTLK] NewtonTalk Digest, Vol 152, Issue 9
Alan Fleming
af at alanfleming.org
Fri Aug 28 12:18:54 PDT 2026
I’m seeing some pretty destructive solutions to this, and just wanted to add my experience.
Use your Newton.
I’d not had a newton for a while, and I bought one from eBNay. It was a bit sticky. and I knoew what this was based on owning several devices with similar coatings in the past. And like those: on regular holding and using my Newton over a week or so (using it pretty intensely as I was coming back to it) - the oils on my hands got absorbed into the coating and smoothed and stabilised it.
Please don’t strip the coatings off. We like our Newtons because they’re pieces of old tech that we remember and love. Stripping the coating off is similar to that person who made a botch of re-touching that picture of Christ some years ago, except it got publicity and you won’t. You’re wrecking your Newton for the next person who may learn to love it.
Just use them, instead.
> On 28 Aug 2026, at 20:00, newtontalk-request at newtontalk.net wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
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> 1. Re: Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces? (Gene beaird)
> 2. Re: Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces? (Peter Fraser)
> 3. Re: Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces? (Greg Toffer)
> 4. Re: Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces? (Andrei Chichak)
> 5. Re: Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces? (apenultimate)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:28:04 -0500
> From: Gene beaird <bgbeaird at sbcglobal.net>
> To: newtontalk at newtontalk.net
> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
> Message-ID: <4307459A-8B63-4045-87F4-9153C207AAEE at sbcglobal.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> You probably need to get a concentration that?s stronger then what?s on the pharmacy store shelves, though. The 5% that?s usually marketed (in the US, at least) does little more than just smell like Isopropyl alcohol. You?ll want 70% or better. They make 99%, but availability may be limited, depending on your home country.
>
> And I?ve found ?Skin So Soft? to do NOTHING for the mossies. Here in the swamps of Texas, anyway. All it does is makes you smell purdy, and gives me a raging headache. DEET-containing repellant, or you can her them laughing at you as they land to bite. But that?s another query.
>
> Removing the coating is still going to be a mess, though.
>
> Regards,
>
> Gene Beaird,
> Pearland, Texas
>
>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 2:00?PM, newtontalk-request at newtontalk.net wrote:
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:43:37 -0600
>> From: Grant Hutchinson <splorp at mac.com>
>> To: NewtonTalk List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
>> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
>> Message-ID: <0A67DA64-F433-496E-A695-6370F20F4085 at mac.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>
>>
>>> On Aug 23, 2026, at 12:11 PM, apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> I have a few Newtons that have been in storage and whose "rubbery" surfaces have started to degrade and feel sticky
>>
>> This topic pops up on the list every once in a while and I?ve been meaning to add the following suggestions to the Newton FAQ:
>>
>> Isopropanol
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:51:31 -0400
> From: Peter Fraser <pjfraser at mac.com>
> To: NewtonTalk Mailing List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
> Cc: newtontalk at newtontalk.net
> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
> Message-ID: <301ED3BB-D2A3-48ED-980C-01AEE4341144 at mac.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> This topic has been examined extensively in the car enthusiast world, and there are many YouTube comparison tests that check results from alcohol, makeup remover wipes (Neutrogena is a favorite), Goo-Gone, etc etc.
>
> Again, search on ?sticky buttons? (and add your favorite exoticar name, eg Ferrari).
>
> There is actually a whole specialty service area where vendors will receive, clean, and refinish your buttons and bezels and knobs. Expensively.
>
> Since - obviously - most newton owners drive Ferraris, and vice versa, none of the above will be news. But for the BMW and other owners, here ya go.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> ? Peter
> pjfraser at mac.com
>
>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 3:28?PM, Gene beaird <bgbeaird at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>> ?You probably need to get a concentration that?s stronger then what?s on the pharmacy store shelves, though. The 5% that?s usually marketed (in the US, at least) does little more than just smell like Isopropyl alcohol. You?ll want 70% or better. They make 99%, but availability may be limited, depending on your home country.
>>
>> And I?ve found ?Skin So Soft? to do NOTHING for the mossies. Here in the swamps of Texas, anyway. All it does is makes you smell purdy, and gives me a raging headache. DEET-containing repellant, or you can her them laughing at you as they land to bite. But that?s another query.
>>
>> Removing the coating is still going to be a mess, though.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Gene Beaird,
>> Pearland, Texas
>>
>>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 2:00?PM, newtontalk-request at newtontalk.net wrote:
>>>
>>> Message: 1
>>> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:43:37 -0600
>>> From: Grant Hutchinson <splorp at mac.com>
>>> To: NewtonTalk List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
>>> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
>>> Message-ID: <0A67DA64-F433-496E-A695-6370F20F4085 at mac.com>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>>
>>>
>>>>> On Aug 23, 2026, at 12:11 PM, apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I have a few Newtons that have been in storage and whose "rubbery" surfaces have started to degrade and feel sticky
>>>
>>> This topic pops up on the list every once in a while and I?ve been meaning to add the following suggestions to the Newton FAQ:
>>>
>>> Isopropanol
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> https://newtontalk.net
>> https://bitbang.social/@newtontalk
>> https://bsky.app/profile/newtontalk.bsky.social
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:23:50 +0000
> From: Greg Toffer <gregtoffer at hotmail.com>
> To: Peter Fraser <pjfraser at mac.com>, NewtonTalk Mailing List
> <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
> Cc: "newtontalk at newtontalk.net" <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
> Message-ID:
> <AS8P251MB0864BD8639A5409E6B0A32F9D4AD2 at AS8P251MB0864.EURP251.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> It?s worth reminding that removing the coating will also remove the printed logo and writings.
> I wouldn?t remove it, unless it would already really be so degraded to be just a mess.
> I am also interested in Minidisc players and there?s a guy that recolors them and he also reprints all the writings. The results are really good.
> So I guess the same could be done to the aging Messagepads (new coating and labels printing) but nobody does it (probably not worth the effort for such a small market?)
>
> Daniele
>
>> Il giorno 27 ago 2026, alle ore 21:52, Peter Fraser via NewtonTalk <newtontalk at newtontalk.net> ha scritto:
>>
>> ?This topic has been examined extensively in the car enthusiast world, and there are many YouTube comparison tests that check results from alcohol, makeup remover wipes (Neutrogena is a favorite), Goo-Gone, etc etc.
>>
>> Again, search on ?sticky buttons? (and add your favorite exoticar name, eg Ferrari).
>>
>> There is actually a whole specialty service area where vendors will receive, clean, and refinish your buttons and bezels and knobs. Expensively.
>>
>> Since - obviously - most newton owners drive Ferraris, and vice versa, none of the above will be news. But for the BMW and other owners, here ya go.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> ? Peter
>> pjfraser at mac.com
>>
>>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 3:28?PM, Gene beaird <bgbeaird at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>>
>>> ?You probably need to get a concentration that?s stronger then what?s on the pharmacy store shelves, though. The 5% that?s usually marketed (in the US, at least) does little more than just smell like Isopropyl alcohol. You?ll want 70% or better. They make 99%, but availability may be limited, depending on your home country.
>>>
>>> And I?ve found ?Skin So Soft? to do NOTHING for the mossies. Here in the swamps of Texas, anyway. All it does is makes you smell purdy, and gives me a raging headache. DEET-containing repellant, or you can her them laughing at you as they land to bite. But that?s another query.
>>>
>>> Removing the coating is still going to be a mess, though.
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Gene Beaird,
>>> Pearland, Texas
>>>
>>>>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 2:00?PM, newtontalk-request at newtontalk.net wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Message: 1
>>>> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:43:37 -0600
>>>> From: Grant Hutchinson <splorp at mac.com>
>>>> To: NewtonTalk List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
>>>> Message-ID: <0A67DA64-F433-496E-A695-6370F20F4085 at mac.com>
>>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>> On Aug 23, 2026, at 12:11 PM, apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a few Newtons that have been in storage and whose "rubbery" surfaces have started to degrade and feel sticky
>>>>
>>>> This topic pops up on the list every once in a while and I?ve been meaning to add the following suggestions to the Newton FAQ:
>>>>
>>>> Isopropanol
>>>
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>
>>> https://newtontalk.net
>>> https://bitbang.social/@newtontalk
>>> https://bsky.app/profile/newtontalk.bsky.social
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> https://newtontalk.net
>> https://bitbang.social/@newtontalk
>> https://bsky.app/profile/newtontalk.bsky.social
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:23:25 -0600
> From: Andrei Chichak <newton at chichak.ca>
> To: NewtonTalk Mailing List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
> Message-ID: <A6D91D27-9AE6-459E-A805-707734E39143 at chichak.ca>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I have a pair of binoculars that HAD this same rubberized surface. Not being too precious I cleaned it off with isopropanol.
>
> IT REMOVES THE COATING DOWN TO HARD PLASTIC.
>
> If you don?t want to remove the coating and just get it less tacky, isoprop is not what you?re looking for.
>
> Andrei
>
>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 13:28, Gene beaird <bgbeaird at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>>
>> You probably need to get a concentration that?s stronger then what?s on the pharmacy store shelves, though. The 5% that?s usually marketed (in the US, at least) does little more than just smell like Isopropyl alcohol. You?ll want 70% or better. They make 99%, but availability may be limited, depending on your home country.
>>
>> And I?ve found ?Skin So Soft? to do NOTHING for the mossies. Here in the swamps of Texas, anyway. All it does is makes you smell purdy, and gives me a raging headache. DEET-containing repellant, or you can her them laughing at you as they land to bite. But that?s another query.
>>
>> Removing the coating is still going to be a mess, though.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Gene Beaird,
>> Pearland, Texas
>>
>>> On Aug 27, 2026, at 2:00?PM, newtontalk-request at newtontalk.net wrote:
>>>
>>> Message: 1
>>> Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:43:37 -0600
>>> From: Grant Hutchinson <splorp at mac.com>
>>> To: NewtonTalk List <newtontalk at newtontalk.net>
>>> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
>>> Message-ID: <0A67DA64-F433-496E-A695-6370F20F4085 at mac.com>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Aug 23, 2026, at 12:11 PM, apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I have a few Newtons that have been in storage and whose "rubbery" surfaces have started to degrade and feel sticky
>>>
>>> This topic pops up on the list every once in a while and I?ve been meaning to add the following suggestions to the Newton FAQ:
>>>
>>> Isopropanol
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> https://newtontalk.net
>> https://bitbang.social/@newtontalk
>> https://bsky.app/profile/newtontalk.bsky.social
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:54:35 -0700
> From: apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com>
> To: newtontalk at newtontalk.net
> Cc: apenultimate <apenultimate at fastmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NTLK] Saving/Restoring/Cleaning Newton Surfaces?
> Message-ID: <e7715513-7f0a-4b50-a2be-efe16701e7f1 at app.fastmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain
>
> Took Peter's suggestion and looked up some Youtube videos on how to de-gum these surfaces. It seemed like by every measure the isopropyl alcohol was the most effective.
>
> Used it on my MessagePad 100, and it readily de-gummed the surface of both the unit itself and the case it slips into. No more white mold, and the tackiness is pretty much gone. The only downside is that the word "MessagePad" at the bottom of the unit was slightly faded at one end. I realized this could happen from the Youtube vids.
>
> The MP 2100 was a different matter. The application of the alcohol only slightly de-gummed the surface. It's still pretty tacky to the touch. It is *slightly* better, and there are some areas that feel normal. I have decided not to do any more, because the lettering on the front is being worn off slightly.
>
> Thanks for everyone's help! Isopropyl can work (without wearing off the coating entirely), but it will fade the lettering on the units and in some cases might not work very well.
>
> Idomeneus
>
> On Sun, Aug 23, 2026, at 11:11 AM, apenultimate wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Former member here, returning after many, many, many years.
>>
>> Was cleaning up my closet today and I have a few Newtons that have been in storage and whose "rubbery" surfaces have started to degrade and feel sticky and a few have a bit of what seems like white mold on them. In particular, I have the following:
>>
>> 1) Newton 2100 whose surface is unnaturally sticky as heck, and bits of the surface might be peeling off if you press your fingers too hard against it. Might have some mold or other contamination on the surface.
>>
>> 2) Newton 130 whose surface is better, but still it's starting to get sticky to the touch. Might need some cleaning.
>>
>> 3) Newton 100 (don't think it's an OMP, at least), whose surface is like #1 above and whose backside and cover case is definitely full of white mold.
>>
>> 4) A second Newton 2100 whose surface is fairly normal and clean, but starting to get that "sticky" feel.
>>
>> Any recommendations on how to clean these up a bit, and what compounds/soaps to possibly use to make them more clean, less sticky, and more comfortable to use?
>>
>> I also have an eMate that is fine as far as surface feel goes (eMate is plastic of course, so . . .).
>>
>> All turn on when plugged in and work fine. The screens of the 100 and 130 are extremely hard to see (you need to put a flashlight on them to see the screen clearly), and the first 2100 above is trending that way (it is very faint, but mostly readable with the green backlight).
>>
>> Any thoughts are appreciated!
>>
>> Idomeneus
>>
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> https://newtontalk.net
> https://bitbang.social/@newtontalk
> https://bsky.app/profile/newtontalk.bsky.social
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of NewtonTalk Digest, Vol 152, Issue 9
> ******************************************
Best Wishes,
Alan Fleming.
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