I have tried several (read many many) things to get good results on old Bakelite and was pretty well settled on Brasso as the product of choice for me.

But many others have extolled the virues of Magnolia Glayzit. So I decided to try a good, serious comparison test.

So I ran a brief test today.

I compared Magnolia Glayzit to Brasso on an old Bakelite case.

The only reason I tried 0000 steel wool at all... was because of what a fine glossy surface it produces for me whenever I use it to buff out my last coat of Lacquer on wood surfaces that come out looking like glass.

But in fact the 0000 steel wool didn't even seem to effect the hard Bakelite at all. The Glayzit w/steel wool test area looks almost identical to the Glayzit area with no abrasive at all.

:I have tried several (read many many) things to get good results on old Bakelite and was pretty well settled on Brasso as the product of choice for me.
:
:But many others have extolled the virues of Magnolia Glayzit. So I decided to try a good, serious comparison test.
:
:So I ran a brief test today.
:
:I compared Magnolia Glayzit to Brasso on an old Bakelite case.
:
:The only reason I tried 0000 steel wool at all... was because of what a fine glossy surface it produces for me whenever I use it to buff out my last coat of Lacquer on wood surfaces that come out looking like glass.
:
:But in fact the 0000 steel wool didn't even seem to effect the hard Bakelite at all. The Glayzit w/steel wool test area looks almost identical to the Glayzit area with no abrasive at all.
:
:

____________________

Peter: Never have tried Brasso or Glayzit on Bakelite - but have gotten good results with a soft electric buffing wheel and a fine abrasive like jeweler's rouge. The only thing is you have to carefully hold onto the cabinet - the buffing wheel can snatch it out of your hands and slam it into the floor if you aren't cautious. Seeing your results with Brasso, I think I may give it a try next time. Watson

Brasso has a gentle abrasive, and also has some pretty strong chemicals, most of which are designed to lift oxidation from brass. However, they also do a good job of removing dead finish on bakelite, which, for all I know, is oxidized, like paint. Brasso works wonders. I have seen Magnolia work well on some painted surfaces. I liked its looks, though it was short-lived, and streaked with finger prints. It smells quite interesting.

Nice radio, Peter. I have one just like it. A guy gave it to me with a factory paint job of white, and someone else's paint job of white. I stripped it down, and now it looks just like your's. Mine needs a new window, and I wouldn't mind having a new dial, either. The old one is faded.

T.

Mine needs a new window, and I wouldn't mind having a new dial, either. The old one is faded.
:T.

THOM:
Have you ever made your own lens' yet?
I've made several from polycarbonate @ $15 a 2x4 sheet. In fact I have to make a template and do one for this one too.
There is another new plastic..:
PETG plastic sheeting is very good too and cheaper at about $6.00 for an 2x4 sheet.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=68&product%5Fid=12070

I understand that "jmpalm" on ebay sells 'em readymade for $18.
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/jmpalm_W0QQ_vntcZ1

: Mine needs a new window, and I wouldn't mind having a new dial, either. The old one is faded.
::T.
:
:THOM:
:Have you ever made your own lens' yet?
:I've made several from polycarbonate @ $15 a 2x4 sheet. In fact I have to make a template and do one for this one too.
:There is another new plastic..:
:PETG plastic sheeting is very good too and cheaper at about $6.00 for an 2x4 sheet.
:http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=68&product%5Fid=12070
:
:I understand that "jmpalm" on ebay sells 'em readymade for $18.
:http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/jmpalm_W0QQ_vntcZ1
________________

Peter: I seen Mark Palmquist's work - and it is pretty good. He can also be contacted directly (jmpalm@mindspring.com). Also www.west-techservices.com offers them for $15 - but not familiar with their work. Watson

Nice before and after pictures.

Brasso is mostly ammonia, waxes and some fine abrasive. It is a good product but needs a lot of elbow grease.

Glayzit is mostly silicone oil and is a no-no in my books. This is the product used by some "successful" sellers on eBay. If you _really_want a shine beyond belief use Liquid Glass auto finish. You won't believe your eyes. Instant gratification.

For myself I like using a scratch remover called GT88. It does remove the oxydized layer and leaves a nice shine and does not contains waxes. GT88 is now discontinued but I found a similar product at the automotive dept called Scratch Remover by Mothers. Works almost almost as well. For very oxydized cabinets, I use Blue Magic Metal Polish (folowing a good friend's advice). Works miracle. Then you can use a tad of Kiwi black show polish and hand buff until nothing's left (5 minutes work max).

When I find time, I'll post pictures of a very badly oxydized and pitted Russian Bakelite speaker. The before and after photos are very explicit.

BTW, using black Tarrago show polish (or Kiwi, Tarrago is thicker) will still shine after years on the shelf IF you remove as much as you can from the polish. This step is only necessary to leave a high shine on the radio. Otherwise, the first step alone is enough.