posted on May 31, 2004 05:25:38 AM new
I know this has been covered previously but I wasn't selling vintage jewelry at the time so of course I didn't pay attention.
Could someone please tell me what the tests are for Bakelite??
posted on May 31, 2004 07:44:01 AM new
The two tests I've used over the years--dip a part of the plastic in warm to very warm water (NOT BOILING), sniff it. Bakelite has an acrid odor. Also, when out on the road in shops or yard sales, rub it briskly with your thumb and then sniff. I did this once at a silent auction with accurate results.
Regular plastic doesn't have the odor.
Some of the experts here will be able to help you with some other methods, I'm sure. Good luck!
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posted on May 31, 2004 09:04:00 AM new
Spray some 409 all purpose cleaner on the object - or you can spray a rag and wipe it on the article. If the color comes out yellow you have bakelite.
buyhigh
posted on May 31, 2004 09:14:16 AM new
I use a metal polish called Simichrome. It's a paste polish for chrome, silver, aluminum and brass. Like 409, if it's rubbed on bakelite, the application cloth will turn yellow. It comes in a small tube so you can carry it with you to flea markets and yard sales.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
[ edited by sparkz on May 31, 2004 09:15 AM ]
posted on May 31, 2004 09:18:13 AM new
I have a mirror that I think is made of bakelite. The problem is that it IS yellow. Do you mean that any color will rub off yellow?
posted on May 31, 2004 04:16:13 PM new
If you rub the mirror on a rag without using either, the rag will not turn yellow because the color is fixed into the article but when using these two methods any color turns the rag yellow.
buyhigh
posted on May 31, 2004 06:48:53 PM new
Scrubbing Bubbles bath Cleaner works too and may be a bit less harsh than 409- simichrome is probably the mildest though.
