I have a rca 56x bakelite radio that some one once painted what is the best way to remove the paint with out damaging the bakelite.

thank you
lou

Bakelite is pretty tough stuff. I've stripped many bakelite radio cases using standard paint strippers found in any hardware / home improvement store.

As a test, always let a small gob of it soak for 20 minutes or so on an inconspicuous place inside of the case first.......better safe than sorry.

:Bakelite is pretty tough stuff. I've stripped many bakelite radio cases using standard paint strippers found in any hardware / home improvement store.
:
:As a test, always let a small gob of it soak for 20 minutes or so on an inconspicuous place inside of the case first.......better safe than sorry.

Lou,
Not exactly your situation, but tried applying polyurethane to a Bakelite cabinet wiped down with lacquer thinner after polishing with Brasso. One coat and WOW, looked like Swiss cheese. Second coat, more Swiss cheese. Removed both with more lacquer thinner, then tried spray (can) clear lacquer. Not too bad, but a little Swiss cheese. After several coats of lacquer, it started to level and smooth out like normal. Never tried stripper, but most suggest a hidden area first. Most suggestions from this Forum suggest polishing and waxing as final finish, which I'll do next time.

marv

:I have a rca 56x bakelite radio that some one once painted what is the best way to remove the paint with out damaging the bakelite.
:
:thank you
:lou

I have used paint strippers as well...Will dull bakelite..but have had GREAT success with using Novus plastic polish. At first I thought people were full of B.S..but when I tried Novus...I am now a believer...Works GREAT on old battery sets with black bakelite face pannels...

:Lou,
:Not exactly your situation, but tried applying polyurethane to a Bakelite cabinet wiped down with lacquer thinner after polishing with Brasso. One coat and WOW, looked like Swiss cheese. Second coat, more Swiss cheese. Removed both with more lacquer thinner, then tried spray (can) clear lacquer. Not too bad, but a little Swiss cheese. After several coats of lacquer, it started to level and smooth out like normal. Never tried stripper, but most suggest a hidden area first. Most suggestions from this Forum suggest polishing and waxing as final finish, which I'll do next time.
:
:marv
:
::I have a rca 56x bakelite radio that some one once painted what is the best way to remove the paint with out damaging the bakelite.
::
::thank you
::lou

:Lou,
:Not exactly your situation, but tried applying polyurethane to a Bakelite cabinet wiped down with lacquer thinner after polishing with Brasso. One coat and WOW, looked like Swiss cheese. Second coat, more Swiss cheese. Removed both with more lacquer thinner, then tried spray (can) clear lacquer. Not too bad, but a little Swiss cheese. After several coats of lacquer, it started to level and smooth out like normal. Never tried stripper, but most suggest a hidden area first. Most suggestions from this Forum suggest polishing and waxing as final finish, which I'll do next time.
:
:marv
:

Brasso contains oil, and will leave an oily residue - lacqers or paint will not adhere well.

I never had any problem using paint remover on Bakelite.

Cleaning the bakelite with something like Comet cleanser, washing with soap and water, and drying VERY well (in the sun for a day) has worked well for me.

Repairing badly cracked bakelite with auto body filler and then repainting has also worked well for me. I recomment cleaning with Comet and water before painting.

::I have a rca 56x bakelite radio that some one once painted what is the best way to remove the paint with out damaging the bakelite.
::
::thank you
::lou

Marv,

I'd suspect someone in the past used a silicone spray furniture polish (like Pledge) on your set. The "swiss cheese" may be "fisheye" caused by residual silicone - it's next to impossible to completely remove. There is a "fish-eye preventer" you can add to laquer if you're using a spray gun.

Someone else mentioned Comet - please note that is to be used ONLY if you are planning to repaint the set and NOT if you're trying to get it back to the original bakelite!!!!

I’ve had no problems using stripper on Bakelite. Keep in mind many bakelites were offered in painted versions. I believe the 56X was offered in ivory. I’ve had good success with Novus and Brasso. I top coat each with paste shoe polish. It really brings out the shine.