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.
Use Magnolia Glayzit or Soft Scrub for slightly faded Bakelite. Use Brasso, Novus plastic polish, Simichrome metal polish, or an automobile rubbing compound to treat more severe fading and/or light scratches. [2] X Research source Brasso is usually the cheapest, but may require more elbow grease.
Do not apply a lot of pressure to Bakelite objects, especially if they are scratched or cracked, or you may wear through the outer surface and into the pulpy (and potentially toxic) filler material. Catalin objects, which includes most “Bakelite” jewelry and brightly colored Bakelite, do not have filler material and can be scrubbed as hard as you like.
If necessary, repeat with another layer of cleaning product.
Use a high speed cloth buffing wheel to lightly smooth the surface. Overuse can permanently remove the Bakelite’s outer surface. Or very lightly and evenly sand the Bakelite with finest grit sandpaper you can find (1000 grit or above). Once sanded, apply the cleaning product again, or cover the surface with paint. [5] X Research source Again, over-sanding or using coarse sandpaper can permanently damage the Bakelite.
A smell of formaldehyde means the plastic is Bakelite or Catalin. You might recognize the smell from preserved animal specimens in biology labs. [6] X Research source A rotten milk smell comes from Galalith (French Bakelite). Camphor smell (a pungent evergreen or old-fashioned mothball odor), comes from celluloid. If there is no smell, it is probably Lucite, but could be a different plastic protected by a finish or paint. If the smell doesn’t match any of the above descriptions, it’s possible the piece is a modern “Fakelite” imitation product.
Wash off the material with mild soap and water, then dry immediately. Some black Bakelite objects, or Bakelite that has been recently re-worked, may not respond to this test.
Catalin was often produced in bright colors. Bakelite is usually brown or black unless it has been painted, but there are exceptions. [10] X Research source Most “Bakelite” jewelry is actually made from Catalin.
Novus brand plastic polish is likely the best-known. Use Novus 1 for buffing, Novus 2 for light to moderate scratches, and Novus 3 for deep scratches.
