Do any of you radio gurus out there know how I can properly restore the shine to bakelite?

I have experimented on bakelite sets that have lost their nice polished outer surface through the use of strong cleaners, etc. I know that 0000 steel wool is good at smoothing, but it only leaves hazy scratches on bakelite. I've tried Brasso over and over, and it improves the shine, but does not restore any of the color depth. I've tried severl kinds of oils and paste waxes, and they make it look great until they dry out. About the only thing that has worked for me to restore both the color depth and sheen is to use a clear coat of gloss laquer.

Is there a polish or technique that would do this without such drastic measures?

Thanks guys. -Warren

: Do any of you radio gurus out there know how I can properly restore the shine to bakelite?

: I have experimented on bakelite sets that have lost their nice polished outer surface through the use of strong cleaners, etc. I know that 0000 steel wool is good at smoothing, but it only leaves hazy scratches on bakelite. I've tried Brasso over and over, and it improves the shine, but does not restore any of the color depth. I've tried severl kinds of oils and paste waxes, and they make it look great until they dry out. About the only thing that has worked for me to restore both the color depth and sheen is to use a clear coat of gloss laquer.

: Is there a polish or technique that would do this without such drastic measures?

: Thanks guys. -Warren

Warren,
Water, soap ,and NOVUS #2 from AES.
Looks like mint condition after 3 applications..

I have been doing allot of antique cleaning and rejuvenation over the last two years. Whenever hard
plastics are involved I have had good luck with Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner #17. You
can check them out at http://www.meguiars.com/index.cfm I have also used a very soft buffing wheel
and there swirl remover with a low (500)rpm buffer. You have to be very careful with plastic as it heats
quickly if the rpm is to fast. Kevin

: Do any of you radio gurus out there know how I can properly restore the shine to bakelite?

: I have experimented on bakelite sets that have lost their nice polished outer surface through the use of strong cleaners, etc. I know that 0000 steel wool is good at smoothing, but it only leaves hazy scratches on bakelite. I've tried Brasso over and over, and it improves the shine, but does not restore any of the color depth. I've tried severl kinds of oils and paste waxes, and they make it look great until they dry out. About the only thing that has worked for me to restore both the color depth and sheen is to use a clear coat of gloss laquer.

: Is there a polish or technique that would do this without such drastic measures?

: Thanks guys. -Warren