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31st May 2009, 12:25 pm | #1 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK.
Posts: 4,736
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Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
I've not been a fan of Bakelite until recently, but having restored a Bush AC91 and using Greygate Paste Polishing No 5, followed by beeswax balsam, I have been rewarded with a really nice glossy finish on the brown Bakelite cabinet. This matches our conservatory furniture so well that my wife has actually permitted the set to take up residence... and thus doubling, at a stroke, the number of vintage radios allowed in the house.
The conservatory is in full sun all morning, but in shade from noon onwards. However the room does get quite hot, and I am wondering about the long-term effects of the sun on the Bakelite cabinet. I think it should be relatively immune, but I wonder if anyone else has practical experience of this issue?
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Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts |
31st May 2009, 12:53 pm | #2 | |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Western Lake District, Cumbria (CA20) - UK
Posts: 2,136
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
A quote from this website;
http://www.bobsoldphones.net/Pages/Essays/Plastics.htm Quote:
The "natural" bakelite colours don't fade so much in my experience. I know of a pre-war Ekco which has spent much of its life in a conservatory and still looks pretty good (I wish it was mine)! Regards,
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Brian |
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31st May 2009, 12:53 pm | #3 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Posts: 2,543
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
Hi Phil,
Heat is OK, but direct sunlight is very bad as it will fade and dry out Bakelite David |
31st May 2009, 12:57 pm | #4 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Burton upon Trent, East Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 1,686
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
Oh, dear, my little Bakelite Pye is in the greenhouse
It is painted, however. Will it survive? Alan |
31st May 2009, 3:30 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Warnham, West Sussex. 10 miles south of DORKING.
Posts: 9,145
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
I expect it will just ripen Alan..John.
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31st May 2009, 4:05 pm | #6 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
Posts: 1,698
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
Any radio cabinet, wood or Bakelite, will fade if left for longish periods in full sun, regardless of original colour. Painted Bakelite will - as long as the paint film is intact - be protected beneath the paint. I would never leave a Bakelite cased set in sunlight for more than short periods. It isn't simply the colour fading as it permanently damages the surface too. Ultra-violet is very destructive. Look what it does to humans!
-Tony |
31st May 2009, 4:39 pm | #7 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 2,451
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Re: Effect of sunlight on Bakelite?
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