Restore Bakelite to Original Finish
- Restoring Light Switches. Removing the Screws. In this Instructable I will be restoring some old light light...
- Clean the Bakelite. As you can see from the photos bellow, the switches were very dull and dirty. As mentioned...
- Buffing With a Grinder. I have a grinder with a buffing wheel attached so I used this to restore my switches. If...
- Buffing Manually. Grab some Brasso and work it into the Bakelite. You will need to use some elbow grease and it...
How do you clean Bakelite?
Step 2: Clean the Bakelite 1 Clean with either some soapy water or a non acidic product. I used a foaming window cleaning as I find it removed the dirt well. 2 Spray with the cleaner and let sit for a couple of minutes. 3 Clean with a rag and wipe off all excess cleaner.
What is the best finish for Bakelite?
Liquid metal polishes are held in high regard in the Bakelite community. These polishes have mild abrasive properties and are perfect removing oxidation, grime & grease. Simichrome or Brasso are my personal favorites and are found in most hardware stores.
Does Bakelite get dull over time?
Over time Bakelite starts to oxidise due to sunlight and over time will become dull. The surface has a thin layer of oxidised material which can be removed with some careful cleaning. So if you have some plastic that is Bakelite and need to clean - read on.
Can you Polish bakelite with canola?
The surface of Bakelite can change color as it is exposed to sun or heat. Don't be alarmed if your polishing reveals a different color underneath, as long as the material still has the same smooth, hard plastic feel. One Catalin owner successfully used Canola oil for some pieces, and melamine sponges for others.
How do you make Bakelite shine again?
5:107:44Trash To Treasure! How to Clean And Polish Bakelite Cheap and Fast!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I've bucks it quite a bit sound as nice and smooth liquid gold is a wood cleaner preservative.MoreSo I've bucks it quite a bit sound as nice and smooth liquid gold is a wood cleaner preservative. However a little bakelite glossy it does bring the color back up as well.
How do you refresh Bakelite?
1:367:57Restoration Tips 1: Bakelite - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep going at it and as your material choice like brass oh I'm using here wears out squirt more downMoreKeep going at it and as your material choice like brass oh I'm using here wears out squirt more down and keep going until it. That starts to look that cleared off occasionally see how it's coming.
Can you use furniture polish on Bakelite?
The shoe polish doesn't bond to the Bakelite at all, so be sure to remove all of the excess in your buffing process. Some hobbyists will spray a small amount of furniture polish on the final coat to add a bit more shine.
Can I use WD40 on Bakelite?
We've always found that if the surface is not too bad; a quick rub over with WD40 works wonders. If they are badly faded, Autosol (Used to be called Autosolvol) chrome polish usually does the job.
Is Bakelite affected by acetone?
Making Bakelite is a multi-stage process. It begins with heating of phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst such as hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, or the base ammonia. This creates a liquid condensation product, referred to as Bakelite A, which is soluble in alcohol, acetone, or additional phenol.
Can Bakelite be repaired?
Many popular collectibles, such as antique radios and telephones, are made from Bakelite. Because Bakelite objects are so often collectible, it is often necessary to perform minor repairs when restoring Bakelite to its original condition. Follow these steps to securely glue Bakelite pieces back together.
Can you oil Bakelite?
Mineral Oil is excellent. It is non toxic and orally consumable and will not damage any ink marks. Commonly used to enhance Polyamide, Bakelite, wood etc.
How do you know if it is Bakelite?
Using Formula 409 Cleaner To use, dampen a cotton swab with 409 and rub it gently on the inside of the item being tested. If it is Bakelite, the swab will turn yellow. If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative with 409. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well.
What color is Bakelite?
Solid Color Bakelite The most readily found colors are yellow, ranging from butter yellow to dark butterscotch, followed by various shades of green.
Will WD-40 restore faded plastic?
CAN WD-40 BE USED TO RESTORE PLASTIC? Yes, WD-40® Specialist Silicone Lubricant can be used on plastic to help with restoring fading. WD-40® is actually safe* to use on metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can also be applied to some painted metal surfaces without harming the paint.
How do you polish vintage plastic?
Toothpaste and baking soda are both mild abrasives that you can use to polish plastic. For deeply etched or discolored plastic, squeeze non-gel toothpaste directly onto the surface and rub it in a circular motion with a microfiber or cotton cloth.
What's Bakelite made of?
phenol-formaldehyde resinA hard, infusible, and chemically resistant plastic, Bakelite was based on a chemical combination of phenol and formaldehyde (phenol-formaldehyde resin), two compounds that were derived from coal tar and wood alcohol (methanol), respectively, at that time.
How do you polish vintage plastic?
Toothpaste and baking soda are both mild abrasives that you can use to polish plastic. For deeply etched or discolored plastic, squeeze non-gel toothpaste directly onto the surface and rub it in a circular motion with a microfiber or cotton cloth.
Is Bakelite a plastic?
A hard, infusible, and chemically resistant plastic, Bakelite was based on a chemical combination of phenol and formaldehyde (phenol-formaldehyde resin), two compounds that were derived from coal tar and wood alcohol (methanol), respectively, at that time.
How do you make Bakelite plastic?
0:2518:23Making bakelite plastic (Part 1) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's one of the first synthetic plastics ever made it's made from reacting phenol withMoreAnd it's one of the first synthetic plastics ever made it's made from reacting phenol with formaldehyde. And it's a thermosetting polymer. This means that polymerization is induced by heat.
How to polish Bakelite?
Place a small amount of polish on a clean cloth or toothbrush and proceed to rub in a circular motion. Any metal attached to the Bakelite will only benefit from the liquid polish. Notice the improvement of the round medallion on the view-master
What is the best way to clean Bakelite?
Generally when cleaning Bakelite pieces I start with mild solutions and work before trying polishing compounds. A mix of Dawn dish soap and warm water is safe for most antique plastics and Bakelite.
How to tell if a bakelite is a formaldehyde?
A common test is running Bakelite under hot water or vigorously rubbing one area of the piece until its warm. If it smells like formaldehyde it's probably Bakelite.
When was Bakelite invented?
Bakelite was discovered in 1909 by a New York chemist Belgian-born Dr. Leo Hendrik Baekeland. It's one of the first plastics made from formaldehyde resin. While originally used for industrial purposes it later found its way into the jewelry, radio & toy market.
Does Bakelite have seams?
Appearance: Most Bakelite items do not have seams and mold marking, the finishing process removes them. The most common colors were black or brown with a smooth high gloss glaze.
How to remove bakedlite?
Use a high speed cloth buffing wheel to lightly smooth the surface. Overuse can permanently remove the Bakelite's outer surface.
What to do if you are not 100% sure of Bakelite?
If you are not 100% certain the material is Bakelite, use the methods in the identification section to confirm it before continuing. If you have a strong nose, you might notice a diagnostic smell while rubbing the plastic. ...
What is the best polish for light scratches?
Use Brasso, Novus plastic polish, Simichrome metal polish, or an automobile rubbing compound to treat more severe fading and/or light scratches. Brasso is usually the cheapest, but may require more elbow grease.
What is Bakelite resin?
Learn more... Bakelite is a synthetic plastic resin first produced over a century ago, and used in thousands of applications. Nowadays, Bakelite has been replaced by more modern plastics, and may be the first plastic to achieve vintage status.
Why does bakelite change color?
The surface of Bakelite can change color as it is exposed to sun or heat. Don't be alarmed if your polishing reveals a different color underneath, as long as the material still has the same smooth, hard plastic feel.
What is the color of Bakelite?
If the cotton swab comes away yellow or yellow-brown, the material is probably Bakelite.
Can you clean bakedlite?
Select a cleaning product. There are several products commonly used to clean Bakelite. While these are often specialized and more expensive than general purpose cleaners, using one of the following is highly recommended. Bakelite requires a slightly abrasive cleaner to remove the deteriorated surface material, but can be permanently ruined if an overly abrasive cleaner eats through to the pulpy filler material inside.
What polish is used to test Bakelite?
Simichrome. This German metal polish has earned a reputation on eBay as the defining tester for true Bakelite. A dab of this pink polish turns brownish-yellow when rubbed on Catalin/Bakelite. That’s because it removes the brownish-yellow oxidation. I happen to have a tube on hand because it’s my favorite silver polish.
Does Clapham's polish wear off?
Initially it seems to remove the oxidation quickly and it has a lovely lavender smell. But the results wear off as soon as the polish dries. The finished pieces ended up looking almost as bad as before I started. I’ll save the Clapham’s polish for furniture.
How long does it take for resin to cure?
I used a popsicle stick to mix and dab the resin on the mag. Directions will also tell you how long it takes the resin to fully cure. I let it sit for 24 hours.
How long to let mags dry before adding clear coat?
Since you got the mag very wet you will want to let it drop before adding any clear. Give it a solid 24 hours to make sure no moisture is present or you will have issues. Ask me how I know....
How to make a mag with resin?
You wont need a lot of resin to do a mag so mix up just a couple of ounces for each mag you do. So start in one spot, add a few dabs of resin, wipe it on till that area as absorbed all the resin it will, then move on to the next spot. Work in little areas at a time and work the mag over.
How to get rid of mag blemishes?
Wet Sandpaper + Clear coat. The most popular method seems to be the wet sanding + clear coat. This works very well, it removes all but the deepest of the blemishes and in some cases can make them look almost new but seems to have the downside of changing the color of the mag.
How to clean mags?
Get all the loose dirt and grease off them. If there is just light dirt I recommend using a washcloth and some hand soap. If you have anything more stubborn then that you can use a very soft scrubby pad with soap, but make sure you dont use a lot of force.
Is bakelite good for you?
First it keeps down on dust. You don't want to go breathing in the dust that comes off these mags. Bakelite isn't something that's very good for you. It also acts like a lube for the sandpaper since its such a fine grip it will get clogged up very fast.
Can you clear coat mags?
Once fully dry hit the mag with some clear as stated above and enjoy. When you are all said and done you should have something that looks like this. You can see how much darker the mag is vs the previous method. While you could just clear coat it I feel the resin layer really seals the surface and loose fibers better then just clear. The color difference is very noticable when you have both methods side by side. For an items list see below.