Cleaning Bakelite side plates

[Midway Tommy]

Sid, if it removes rust and shines metal then it is taking off a surface layer.  You cannot turn rust or tarnish back into metal.  Maybe abrasive was too abrasive a term, but it is removing something that will never return.
-steve

I agree, Steve. Even Clear Coat Polishing Compound has some abrasiveness, otherwise it wouldn't be able to remove oxidation.

[kmstorm64]

After degreasing Bakelite side plates would it harm them if I cleaned them in  top compartment of the dishwasher after removing the rings, eccentric, springs, and all metal parts?

here is a link to a wiki on cleaning bakelite. Having made bakelite molds back in the 1970's in my high school Print, shop I seem to recall we didn't use water on them for anything.  but that was a long time and memories fade.

[kmstorm64]

Sorry here is the link: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Bakelite

[Quinnhun]

Perhaps someone trying to clean bakelite side plates will see this even though it is old. I have tried everything but didn't love the results until I tried a metal polish called Noxon 7. Took it from the wife actually, she uses it to restore antiques and the like. It has been a game changer for me with restoring Penn side plates. It removes a tiny bit of material as needed to get past the oxidation but it's the finish that's stunning. It works with a Dremel fine but by hand with a microfiber applicator is the best way to use it. Don't need much but regardless of the color it will bring back the color and luster you want. Even on the old dark brown Special Senator side plates it will bring back the deep dark brown from what oxidation turns almost red. Just figured I'd let people see it and maybe they'll try! I use a buffing wheel on the lettering to give the stamp a bit more pop so it sticks out over the luster of the plate. Just a great product.

[Brewcrafter]

I have tried everything but didn't love the results until I tried a metal polish called Noxon 7.

Always ready to learn something new, but a cursory search indicated that if you are really fond of that product you might want to use it sparingly.  Looks like it is no longer manufactured and what is out there seems to command $$$$$$ on the Big Auction Site and on Bezo's Express (like $14/oz!!!  ). - john

[jurelometer]

I have tried everything but didn't love the results until I tried a metal polish called Noxon 7.

Always ready to learn something new, but a cursory search indicated that if you are really fond of that product you might want to use it sparingly.  Looks like it is no longer manufactured and what is out there seems to command $$$$$$ on the Big Auction Site and on Bezo's Express (like $14/oz!!!  ). - john

I looked at the 2014 USA SDS for Noxon 7 and it is listed with an alternate product name of Brasso.  Looks like Brasso is readily available in the USA.

The actual ingredients for this product might vary by country, and also if you have an older batch before more stringent VOC restrictions kicked in.


https://www.rbnainfo.com/MSDS/US/NOXON%20Metal%20Polish%20Liquid%20-%20EN%20GHS.pdf

And another SDS (2008) source that just lists Brasso.  Ingredients mostly similar, but not identical, and also lists silica (probably for abrasive)

https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/b3/b3ab7798-e8c0-4d62-9c1d-6eb61f512f4d.pdf

Worth a shot if you can't find Noxon 7.


-J

[Benni3]

I like 3m plastic polish,,,,

[Maxed Out]

Nothing beats "nevr dull". Just ask Fred Oakes. Cleans bakelite to a mirror shine. You'll find it at your local auto parts store in the wheel cleaning products section