Date: Sat, 01 May 1999 04:34:10 -0500
From: Steven Reitci 
Subject: Compaq Contura Aero Keyboard Solution

Worn out letters on keyboard:
When I bought my Aero, I was disappointed that several of the letters
had completely worn off. I found they could be replaced with rub-on
lettering from an art supply store.

First, pick out your lettering. You get a sheet with many copies of each
letter, so you can practice a bit.

Then scrape off the fragments of the old worn-out letters. I found that
a bit of 800 grit sandpaper helped.

Rub the letter on the key. Be sure to press the key down first, or as it
shifts under your rubbing, the letter will break up. If you don't like
the position of the letter, it is easy to scrape off.

Then you need to put on a protective coating. Clear fingernail polish
may work, but I've used it for other things and have found that it's too
hard -- it chips off. I happened to have a $3 bottle of Clear Coat
touch-up, which I had gotten at Trak Auto for my car. It worked well,
and so far shows no sign of coming off.

Since I had the Clear Coat out, I coated a couple of the original
letters that were showing wear. I am hoping to go to a larger Art Supply
store to try to find some smaller, blue-colored letters to match the
other parts of the keyboard.