How to restore a bakelite radio? Is it worthy to restore?

[Rick62008]

Hi.
This has probably been asked before but i would like to know if you have any special advices on how to restore a bakelite cabinet (polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride like wikipedia says...). I read it is an early plastic, so i don't know if polishing it is a good ideia. Also do you advice varnish or wax, or none?

I still don't know if i should restore it or not, since the cabinet isn't wrecked or broken, the original color is a little faded obviously but i would like to know your opinion on restoring an old radio that isn't that bad. Some people like it that way because it shows its age!

To restore or not to restore?
If so, how to restore bakelite?

Thank you in advance

[murphyv310]

I use a fine abrasive, Brasso is very good, then a buff up followed by a good car silicone polish.
Others may do it differently, one thing though don't worry about the colour of the cloth when using the abrasive!

[paulsherwin]

Everyone uses some sort of mild abrasive cutting compound to clean and restore old Bakelite. Brasso is a metal polish and will work as well as anything. Automotive cutting compounds like T-Cut will also work and are somewhat cheaper.

Some people like to apply a final coat of wax polish.

Bakelite is actually quite tough and, while you will see lots of advice against cleaning it with water based detergents or immersing it in water, I've never found it to deteriorate with any of these treatments.

[oldticktock]

I've used all of the above and have always been very pleased with the results. I was then introduced to "Greygate Bakelite polishing paste No.5" by another forum member , cannot remember who though. The results from that product are truly amazing, I highly recommend it and use nothing else but this now. It's a medium sized tube and you only use very little of the product so it will last quite a while.

[murphyv310]

Chris.
Where do you get the paste from and have any idea how much, I would like to give it a try!

[oldticktock]

Hi Trevor

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GREYGATE-BAKEL...item1c18337b8a

and that is a very good price and free shipping! , the same tube size I have. You only need apply a very small amount and work it, then buff, you will find the optimum for yourself.

Chris

[Boom]

Than again it takes many years for a patina to build up on a cabinet so some may be wary of stripping this off with modern pastes and potions.

[oldticktock]

Hi Dave,

That was my main concern and why I had avoided it for so long. I just recently started on a TV22 case and it's very gentle.Like anything though you have to be sensible and not go like the clappers and develop heat.

[Dave Moll]

I'm not sure that I would grace the grime that builds up on bakelite with the name "patina"!

[Aerodyne]

polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride like wikipedia says...

My dictionary of science and technology refers to Bakelite as Phenol Formaldehyde. Its a lot easier to say, and to remember.
I'll second the Greygate recommendation.
-Tony

[vinrads]

I agree with Dave for patina read oil grease grime jam and all other bodily fluids yuk ,

I always wash them in hot water with washing up detergent
then a good polish with brown / black shoe polish and lots of elbow grease.

[HamishBoxer]

Use Bake O Bryte from Chas Miller,same as Greygate.Thats Radiophile by the way.

David

[mark pirate]

for patina read oil grease grime jam and all other bodily fluids yuk

I have had some really disgustingly filthy sets, all have been stripped & washed with either washing up liquid or biological washing liquid & warm water, followed by T-cut & autoglym car polish, the results are truly brilliant
In severe cases, i have used rubbing compound & wire wool before the T-cut treatment.
It is also worth noting that T-cut cleans laqured wood back to a fantastic shine...

Mark