Hello All,

Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

:Hello All,
:
: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

i think someone in the antique radio forum mentioned mineral spirits but you could check to be sure. water removed the ink but the mineral spirits did not if i recall

My suggestion(s) (from good and bad experiences) DO NOT use soaps or other..I suggest you use warm water on a cloth ..and gently wipe off dial(s). I was once one of those over zellous people and destroyed a Philco "plastic" dial and others...I used laundry soap..it left milky white spots and took off printed material...my bad...

::Hello All,
::
:: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.
:
:i think someone in the antique radio forum mentioned mineral spirits but you could check to be sure. water removed the ink but the mineral spirits did not if i recall

I destroyed a perfectly beautiful Philco dial with GOOP...what was I thinking? The lettering rubbed off in my fingers.

:Hello All,
:
: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

As have others here I have ruined several dials in cleaning them. I now just use warm water and Q-tips to very carefully clean as best as I can, staying away from the letters as much as I can. If it does not get clean, Oh well, its just part of the radios charachter earned through the years.
Jon.

:Use WATER ONLY and only mild pressure.

I actually tried Fantastik cleaning spray once - what a disaster!!!

Lou

:Hello All,
::
:: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.
:
:As have others here I have ruined several dials in cleaning them. I now just use warm water and Q-tips to very carefully clean as best as I can, staying away from the letters as much as I can. If it does not get clean, Oh well, its just part of the radios charachter earned through the years.
:Jon.

Bill,
After all the underlying posts, I wonder if something relatively mild/inert like contact lens cleaner would work. Maybe plain water or the lens cleaner in an ultrasonic bath.

marv

:Hello All,
:
: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

Hi, Cleaned a Silverton 7172 dial once and ruined it with just water. Radio Daze didn't have a replacement so it ended up costing me $170.00 and 4 months to have one reproduced by Mike Tobin he did a fantastic job. You can now get that dial from Radio Daze for $18.00 made from Mikes artwork. Needles to say if I even attempt to clean one now I start in a small unseen corner and go from there. If there is any loss I STOP and live with it. Good Luck

Hi Bill

Dust the dial but don't use anything, water or cleaning solvent, until you know it's safe. Even a damp cloth can remove the marking.

If you want to try water use it in a corner first where missing markings won't be seen.

Norm

:Hello All,
:
: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

Hello All,

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. I certainly will proceed with caution if at all.

:Hi Bill
:
: Dust the dial but don't use anything, water or cleaning solvent, until you know it's safe. Even a damp cloth can remove the marking.
:
: If you want to try water use it in a corner first where missing markings won't be seen.
:
:Norm
:
::Hello All,
::
:: Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning the celluloid dials that were prevalent in the 30's as Philco and AK? Dont want to use anything that would remove the ink. I"ve seen many sets that a previous owner became overzealous with.

Agree with Norm.... Usually best to dust it off and leave it alone!!!! Many are printed with India Ink - which is very water soluble. You can try mineral spirits, alcohol, etc. but try them first in an inconspicious area.