Hey guys question for you, I have a small bakelite cabinet that I am in need of polishing, I already washed it with warm soapy water and am now at the next phase and final stage, polish. Could anybody point me im the right direction for polish that would be safe for this cabinet.

Thanks
Jon

JON:
Ask 12 people and you will get 13 different recommendations! GLAYZIT/ARMOR ALL/METAL ARMOR/BRASSO/SHOE POLISH (?)/PASTE WAX/ETC,ETC. I have tried most of the suggested polishes. Currently, my favorite is METAL ARMOR (pricey). GLAYZIT (formulated for bakelite telephone polishing) would be my second choice.
BOB

I agree with Bob. My favorite is Metal Armor also. It is a bit pricey but a little goes a long way and the results are amazing.

Phil

A bit pricey!!!!! 8oz is $21.50. That is with out shipping. So a gallon would cost around $340.00. What the heck is in that stuff (gold flakes?)Maybe some day i might find some at a garage sale but i will not pay that much for a polish just to try it. I have wasted way to much money on polishes and wax stuff like that and most of the time being very disappointed.
Stan Ski

Stan

Best 21 bucks I ever spent. A few drops are all that's needed. I bought mine over two years ago and I still have almost a full bottle.


Phil

STAN:
That's exactly why I, and others, share our evaluations of restoration products with fellow ARF members. It's done so others don't waste their time, and money, with inferior products that don't work. Metal Armor is expensive, but it does polish bakelite better than all the various products I have tried, and I have experimented with many.
BOB

Hello
I have many that have scratches, will this stuff clear this up also.
Thanks for any help
Bruce

I've used Novus and Brasso (on different radios) with good results. Paste wax (carnauba floor wax) is OK for after a shine polishing, but it doesn't last too long.

I use Acetone, followed by two or three applications, each with just a few drops of Metal Armor, and get a great shine.

Stan; 15 bucks, plus shipping;
http://www.foxhillfarmleather.com/Merch ... metalarmor

Wonder if that Metal Armor is just mail order or if it is distributed to retail outlets as maybe a Harley shop or something like that might carry it? Then if it costs a little more, you would still not have to bear the shipping costs. Never mind. I just found their website and it says "NOT SOLD IN STORES". Hmmm.

I've been curious about Metal Armor too. I checked their web site and it claims it's not sold in retail stores. Checking Amazon.com I see they sell it for $18.92 and if you are a "Prime" member it's 2 day free shipping. I ordered some to try.

I very much appreciate the good advice. Such advice is one of the very best things about this forum. People are willing to share their experiences, rather than acting competitors with "secrets."

Mothers Mag Wheel Polish has always worked best for me, it cleans and shines in one step and the gloss can be amazing if you have a good piece of bakelite to work with that still has the top layer of gloss just covered in dirt or hazed over. Cheap too at about $5 a jar that will last a long time.

OK, I finally stopped being so cheap and bought a bottle of Metal Armor.
Have to say it is really all that you guys said it was. Blows away anything else i have ever tried and a little does go a long way. Here are a couple picture of a little Zenith that i just used it on. BTW i only use a little Harbor Freight oscillating buffer on it . No hand buffing and only a few minutes on each surface.
Stan Ski

STAN:
Good to see that you have come around on Metal Armor. What HF buffer did you use?
BOB

Meguiar's Cleaner Wax

Here's my argument:

and this...

(original 98 year old paint polished with the wax)

Bakelite fans??

Paint, bakelite or micarta, doesn't matter.

I find a coat of gloss lacquer is instant shine. Or rub on some tung oil with a T shirt.