Wednesday, May 5, 2010

How to test for bakelite using Simichrome Polish

I have been testing some of our jewellery to see if it is bakelite or not. After searching on how to do it, I thought I would do a easy step-by-step post on how to test jewellery yourself.



1 - Purchase Simichrome Polish. I found it difficult to find in Australia. It is a polish used commonly on chrome so I tried Bunnings, Repco, Supercheap Auto ect. but no one stocked it. So, I have now imported several tubes to make it easier for you to buy.



2 - Collect everything you need. Once you have your Simichrome, all you need is a cotton bud and the piece you wish to test.


3 - Squeeze out a small amount of Simichrome onto a cotton bud. For the photo I put on more than needed, you need only a very small amount for the test.


4 - Rub it on the piece you wish to test. Rubbing on the back of a piece is recommended, however, Simichrome is also used by many people to polish Bakelite. 



5 - Watch for a change in colour. If, after 10 - 15 seconds the cotton bud turns from pink to yellow then it has tested positive as Bakelite. It's that simple. 

I repeated the test on another piece (below), and a you can see, it was not Bakelite. 




It is that easy to test. Once you have your tube of Simichrome Polish it should last you a life time as you only use a small amount for each test.

Happy Testing!!!

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for your nice comment! I am lucky enogh that my dad loves old family pictures and therefore they are all over my parents' house. The pictures of my grandma had the biggest value for me and so I was allowed to keep them without sharing ;)

    Greetings from Germany,
    Ruby

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  2. thanks for visiting my blog! this is a great testing tip. THANKS!

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  3. I must get myself a tube of that I have a few things that I am not 100% sure is actual bakelite.

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  4. Thanks for the tip on how to test for bakelite. I live in the Uk and looked everywhere to find the simichrome cream and ended up buying it from America! I shall try on some items I have. thanks again, Linda.

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