ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 5, 2004 02:06:20 PM new
Does simichrome lose it testing ability after time?
I got a necklace and I could swear it's Bakelite but it won't test with simichrome - it's carved and everything.
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max40
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posted on June 5, 2004 02:53:22 PM new
No, Simichrome is just an abrasive, doesn't loose is abrasive power with time. Try the hot water test or rubbing with your finger till it gets warm/hot, then sniff it. If it doesn't smell like formaldehyde it isn't bakelite.
"The only thing more expensive than an education is ignorance" B. Franklin
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cblev65252
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posted on June 5, 2004 03:36:11 PM new
Some colors, such as black, do not test well. What color is the item?
Cheryl
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 5, 2004 03:41:20 PM new
It's butterscotch but almost looks like it's a glossy finish on it?
[ edited by ladyjewels2000 on Jun 5, 2004 03:42 PM ]
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cblev65252
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posted on June 5, 2004 04:09:26 PM new
I know practically nothing about Bakelite, but I don't think it has a glossy finish on it unless it's been coated with something. If it's been coated, I don't think you'll get it to test. I could be totally off base here, so please don't take my word for it. LOL!
Cheryl
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sparkz
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posted on June 5, 2004 06:32:47 PM new
Try testing it with 409. If that doesn't work, try the hot water and sniff test Max suggested. Be advised, if you're a smoker. you may need a non-smoker to assist you with the sniff test.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 5, 2004 06:55:25 PM new
Ex-smoker so the old nose ain't what it use to be?? I don't have any 409 but may get some tomorrow. Does it work better than simichrome or scrubbing bubbles?
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Libra63
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posted on June 5, 2004 07:09:36 PM new
They say not to use 409 but I do but I also use scrubbing bubbles. Now if you use any of these be sure you only rub a small surface. I use a q tip to test. If it is bakelite it might do a little damage to the bead but not noticeable
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sparkz
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posted on June 5, 2004 07:25:16 PM new
409 is no better or worse than Simichrome. I use Simichrome because it has a practical purpose also for polishing aluminum. I never buy 409. There are other cleaners that work better at much less cost. If the item fails all 3 tests, then it's not bakelite. And I can guarantee that any bidder that is looking specifically for bakelite items will perform one of the three tests as soon as it comes out of the box to verify that it is authentic.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 6, 2004 09:35:13 AM new
My husband did the hot water smell test and said it smelled like the pan handles his mom use to burn in the oven?? lol We don't really know what formaldehyde smells like.
We also took a known piece (test with simichrome)and did the hot water test on both at the same time - he said they smelled the same to him.
Would you sell as Bakelite with hot water test only??
I'll still do the 409 test but I think I have a winner.
Thanks everyone.
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myoldtoy
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posted on June 6, 2004 09:57:49 AM new
Lady; please take note:
http://www.winterbrookfarm.com/msds.html
this is THE ebay dealer i buy from...the above will give the epa on simichrome.
-----------------------------
AND, IT DOES HAVE A SHELF LIFE...ON MY PRESENT BOX, IT READS "5 YEARS SHELF LIFE."
AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS NOT NOT: "JUST AN ABRASIVE," IT IS A POLISH AND IT CONTAINS SEVERAL CHEMICALS[WHITE SPIRITS, KEROSEN, AMMONIUM OLEATE TO NAME A FEW]; SOME THAT CAN CAUSE ALLERGIES, AND IS CONSIDERED BY OSHA A FIRE AND EXPLOSIVE HAZARD - HENCE THE WARNING LABEL ON THE BOX...WHICH IS SOMEWHAT OVEREXAGGERATED, BUT THE STUFF WILL BURN...
HOPE THIS HELPS, myoldtoy
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 6, 2004 10:08:24 AM new
Thanks myoldtoy - that is informative. I think I may be using a tube that was stored in the car so it may have gone bad. It worked on my known piece but was faint.
I think I may go back to 409
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myoldtoy
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posted on June 6, 2004 10:41:27 AM new
Lady: you use 409? as Libra stated, it can damage the bakelite..409 will etch glass; so it will not give bakelite much a chance...
but since you have used it, would you mind telling me how...and hope you dont mind me asking; hope it isnt a great secret...i have use simi since my first old 69 harley-when simi was 59cents a tube...whoooooooops i just dated myoldtoy
tanx,
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max40
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posted on June 6, 2004 11:06:56 AM new
Send all your "outdated" Simichrome polish to me. The petroleum additives are only to carry the polish and give a glaze coat to whatever you're polishing. Kind of like putting a glaze coat on your car. Temporary.
"The only thing more expensive than an education is ignorance" B. Franklin
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 6, 2004 11:20:12 AM new
Well I guess I should have said scrubbing bubbles as that is what I always before. I think I may have tried 409 but only a few times - I always wash the item after using either.
I think with the 409 - I would spray on a paper towel and wipe the item. If Bakelite it turns yellow/orange. The same with scrubbing bubbles.
I will still use simichrome for cleaning metal as it's great.
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kiara
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posted on June 6, 2004 11:31:28 AM new
This site has some excellent info for testing bakelite and I've had it bookmarked for ages. They recommend the hot water test and Formula 409 for testing and Simichrome for polishing or restoring but they don't recommend Scrubbing Bubbles because it is too caustic.
http://www.plasticfantastic.com/testing.html
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rarriffle
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posted on June 6, 2004 01:12:04 PM new
i do know there is some brand new butterscotch jewelry that looks like bakelite. i tested one piece all 3 ways before i was convinced.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on June 6, 2004 02:18:18 PM new
Thanks kiara I had that site bookmarked on my old computer but couldn't remember what it was.
I don't think this is new stuff - I just got it at an estate sale where everything was old.
My husband got the 409 Grease formula and it didn't do anything on this piece or the known piece either. Darn I think I will take it to my jewelry repair guy and just ask him. It's a deeply carved piece and we could be talking decent money?
Thanks all
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