posted on November 26, 2000 07:46:50 AM
Howdy! I have some Dominos Sets and they appear to be Bakelite. I've heard there is some kind of test to tell for sure. Any tips or ideas on how to tell i f they are really bakelite?
Thank you!
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posted on November 26, 2000 08:00:35 AM
You can use 409 cleaning solution to tell if something is Bakelite. Use a Q-tip dipped in the 409, and rub a spot on the suspected item. The Q-tip will turn yellow, even if the item isn't yellow itself. I think Dow Scrubbing Bubbles do the same thing.
posted on November 26, 2000 08:01:36 AM
Hi. Do a site search, lower right button on this page for Simichrome. If you search for bakelite you'll get alot of other discussions I imagine. This is part of one seller's answer about ID for bakelite. I haven't included the whole answer. Good Luck.
LabRat4GMOS
[dited because I forgot to add that we couldn't find it in a large hardware store like Home Depot, but a small local hardware did have it.]
mtattics:
posted on September 14, 2000 06:07:14 PM
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Please do not use Scrubbing Bubbles or 409 to test your items for bakelite.
These products could cause damage to any plastic item. I use SIMICHROME
POLISH. Put a tiny amount on a clean cloth and rub on the item that you are
testing. The cloth will show a definite yellow color if the item in
question is bakelite.....
[ edited by labrat4gmos on Nov 26, 2000 08:04 AM ]
posted on November 26, 2000 12:46:02 PM
The hot water test is the easiest method and is usually reliable. The item will give off a strong odor of formaldehyde or phenol when placed under running hot water for approximately 30 seconds. Please don't use Scrubbing Bubbles or 409 for a test since they can both remove the polished finish. (Scrubbing Bubbles is the most abrasive of the two) Also, any metal polish will work so you don't really need to go out and buy Simichrome.
There are pieces of Bakelite that won't pass any of the tests and I'm including a copy and paste which lists those criteria:
QUOTE
"Some pieces which are Bakelite will not pass some or all of these tests. They include pieces which are very dirty, pieces which have previously had their finish stripped with chemical test agents such as Scrubbing Bubbles, some reds, many blacks, pieces which have resin washed coating, pieces which have been covered with plastics sealant compounds, pieces which have been sanded, and newly re-worked pieces made from Bakelite and freshly polished."
END QUOTE
http://www.plasticfantastic.com/testing.html
