Removing Bakelite and other Plastic Scratches

[gearhead222]

Dear Fellow Members-Most of us know about Kit "Scratch-Out" but I would also recommend 3M's "Perfect It-II" rubbing compound. Since it's designed for automotive finishes, it's more abrasive than the Scratch-Out for deep abrasions and scratches. I have had really good luck using this and then Scratch-Out on plastic cases, especially Bakelite. I buy mine at the local Auto Paint Shop. HTH:)-Gearhead.

[Chuck Schwark]

Thanks Cliff. How about adding some before and after pics to this topic thread so we can see?? I have a few bakelite setys that could use a little spiffing up.
_________________
Chuck Schwark,
The Philco Repair Bench

http://www.philcorepairbench.com

[gearhead222]

No Cliff here Chuck! Perhaps another Gearhead?-Gearhead

[GrayLox]

After reading elsewhere on the forums, I realize that at least a few members may feel that some of us noobs here may be just "takers", here for what they can gain without contributing back to the pool of information available for everyone. I certainly don't want to be grouped with those who are viewed as "takers". I just 1) have been away from this stuff for so long I am having to relearn much of it, and 2) am a little intimidated by the apparent extensive experience and knowledge of the formerly refered to "Senior" members (and many others). I am just like a sponge soaking it all in at this point and it may be quite a while before my answers outnumber my questions. That being said, there are a few things I do know a bit about and am not afraid to give what I think are valuable contributions to others here. I'm primarily a manufacturing guy working in metal goods, specifically machine shop and fabrication. But I like to think I have a few years of learning everything I can get my hands on, so I hope I can see some questions where I can add something that will help someone.
Now the topic under discussion. I just recently decided to polish my Simpson meter cases. They had many scratches and even some engraving from previous owners. I started by getting just the case, and working with a small block and 400, then 800, then 1200 grit 3m wet-or-dry paper under a running faucet. This I did until they were a smooth, uniform dark gray. I have a product - Mothers Mag Polish, that I always used to keep the ol Harley spiffed up. It's kind of like Semi-Chrome. With a little elbow grease and soft cloth, it turned out well.
I have also tried some of the headlight repair kits from auto stores to clear hazed or cloudy plastic lenses. It isn't expensive, and does the job for me anyway.

Just trying to contribute!

Tony
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Tony

No trees were harmed creating this message, but several electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

My docter told me I had A.D.D. He said "It is a complex disorder, blah, blah, blah." I didn't pay attention to the rest.

[Chuck Schwark]

[gearhead222]

Sorry for the delay guys. I guess that most people know that you use a linear motion when possible when applying the Kit Scratch out, correct? That being said, I just use the same rubbing motion with the Perfect it II. Lots of Elbow grease, again followed by the Kit scratch out. This method doesn't always get the deep scratches out, but it can make them less noticeable by blending the heavily scratched area with the surrounding less scratched areas. HTH:)-Gearhead.PS-Thanx for the tips, Graylox. Mother's Mag Polish is some good stuff!

[Burnt Fingers]

For clear plastic such as dial and meter covers Ive had excellent results with Meguiars Plastic Cleaner and followed with their Plastic Polish. I started using it on convertible rear windows decades ago and also use it on modern vehicle headlight enclosures.

A tour of a good auto parts store, an autobody and paint supplier, as well as a couple of car shows that include vendors will put you in touch with many products that work well on radios also.

And we cant forget Eastwood either for a wide range of goodies. www.eastwood.com

Carl, a gearhead since the 50's