Faded Senator Sideplates

[reelinrudy]

My 14/0 senator is showing a lot of fading on the sideplates. Instead of the nice shiny black, they are really gray-powdery looking. Is there any way to shine them up? I tried rubbing them with neatsfoot oil, which didn't work. Then I rubbed them vigorously with a rag and armor-all, which also didn't work. Is there any way to restore these plate? I really don't want to buy replacements just because of appearance. Thanks for any and all advice!

[alantani]

try corrosion x first. i'm not sure that you could use a buffing compound to take the oxidation off of plastic.

[Bryan Young]

I honk Rob uses a plastic polish. I'm sure he will chime in shortly.

[Mandelstam]

I've read that you could use car polish/wax with some color in it. Haven't tried it though..

I've been wanting to try powder coating of a couple of old side plates. Just a simple DIY aerated bed as seen on Youtube. Bakelite is quite resistant to heat so I think that it might work. The trick is to not get it too thick I guess.

[Alto Mare]

try corrosion x first. i'm not sure that you could use a buffing compound to take the oxidation off of plastic.

X2.
Or,when you're done servicing that reel, slap some extra penn blue grease on the plates and rub it in, they should come back nicely.

[Norcal Pescador]

My favorite treatment for sideplates is Gel-Gloss, made for resin-based showers and sinks. It cleans them up and gives them a nice shine.