How to polish bakelite?

Posted by: jason.g on 20 August 2006

I have some original 1935 wooden doors with bakelite knobs and back plates. The doors have been dipped and stripped and I need to restore the bakelite to its former shiny glory. Any ideas? Someone mentioned brasso?

Posted on: 20 August 2006 by BigH47

T-Cut or Colour back to clean it up and wax polish to finish. Test on the back first.

Posted on: 21 August 2006 by jason.g

What is colour back? Is it that coloured car polish?

Posted on: 21 August 2006 by Mick P

Jason

First thing to say is be very careful. Bakelite gets brittle with age and the smooth shiney veneer can crack and sometimes come away, so no heavy handed stuff.

Wash it with fairy liquid to remove grease etc.

Brasso is good but be gentle when polishing.

Regards

Mick

Posted on: 21 August 2006 by jason.g

There shouldnt be any grease on as they have been dipped in an acid bath. Overall condition is excellent. They are just dull.

Posted on: 21 August 2006 by BigH47

jason do a google for "baketite cleaning" several sites there.
Colour back is another manufactures "T-Cut" I got some in the Poundshop.
If they are already clean and the colour is stain (colour) is OK then real wax polish seems the way to go.

H