If Catalin has similar properties to Bakelite, will it react with Simichrome in the same way? I purchased a Catalin pin at an antique show for its beautiful colors and I would like to test the back of it.
2nd Question: A New York jeweler sold me an apple juice bracelet on Ebay. He said it was tested, and bakelite. When I got the "no problems" thing it was pitted or chipped inside and looked like something had been rubbed off. I remember reading in another thread that the Scrubbing Bubbles or 409 method ( or something else) can cause the rubbed look. Obviously it must not happen to all of it, or we would have a huge amount of damaged goods around. Any ideas?
I purchased Simichrome at a small independent hardware store, the larger chains didn't have it. It was about 7.50 almost 2 years ago.
Thanks ahead of time! LAbrat4gmos
[ edited by labrat4gmos on Aug 20, 2001 06:53 AM ]
posted on August 20, 2001 07:07:38 AM new
Although I deal in 50s collectibles I am not real knowledgable about bakelite and don't use the word in my descriptions. I never knew about the tests for it so I am running out to the store to buy some 409.
I was told that bakelite was used for the handles on pots like Revereware in the 50s. Is that true? It melts and smells like hot roof tar when exposed to open flame (remember that as a kid when we had a small kitchen fire)...not that I would recommend burning something to test it!
Gerald
"Oh but it's so hard to live by the rules/I never could and still never do."
posted on August 20, 2001 07:14:27 AM new
Labrat...Yes, Catalin and Bakelite tests are interchangeable as they have the same properties. Simichrome polish will restore the finish on Bakelite / Catalin and produces a shiny finish.
Vintage Bakelite can show small pits and scratches over years of normal wear.
posted on August 20, 2001 07:22:34 AM new
Yumacoot
I don't currently have any 45 tubes. They are kind of hard to find and sought after too. But you can find one on ebay for an average price of $25 or so.
Good luck and thanks.
Why couldn't I have been the guy that invented Bullsh*t Repellant?
Wow, a 1000 gram can could sure strike terror into one 14 year old I know. She'd probably faint at the thought of doing that much tack cleaning! Sounds like a nice Xmas present for her! <insert evil parent grin here>
