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How Do I Test For Bakelite?

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How Do I Test for Bakelite?

So many people want to know if their vintage plastic button is bakelite...or not. Here's my method and some others.

How Do I Tell if a Button is Bakelite?

I see this question discussed frequently on various sites. Here's my method.

  • Bakelite has a distinctive smell when heated slightly. I usually rub the button on my hand until it feels a little warm and then sniff it. To learn what this smells like, take an item that you know for sure is bakelite, do the same with it and then compare the odors. This is the least intrusive method.
  • Some folks swear by Simichrome Polish or formula 409, which when rubbed on the item with a q-tip take on a yellow/orange color. But this has the potential to damage the item so pick a spot that won't be visible for your test. It is not fool-proof as some of the formulas for bakelite (such as casein) do not respond to these chemicals.
  • Others use a pin-prick test where you heat a pin and plunge it into the material. This definitely leaves a mark so is usually done on the back of the button.
  • The best resource on identifying button materials is "Button Materials A-Z: Identification Guide" by Jocelyn Howells.

Simichrome Polish

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Formula 409

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  • Mary D'Angelo Aug 17, 2011 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    I am not sure if you are talking about the product "Simichrome Polish" (made by Happich) for testing Bakelite? This polish leaves a yellow/amber color on a cotton swab when rubbed on Bakelite. That is the method I prefer. Please sign me up for your newsletter.
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GrandmaRose

eBay seller since 1999, Grandma Rose currently sells under the eBay identity: grandmastree

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Another book by Jocelyn Howells, my favorite button author.

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