Polishing bakelite, any advice?

[whirlpolf]

hi guys (and girls),
the black bakelite impeller on my single tub miniwasher Cordes 601 got somewhat rough and grayish (blunt) over the years. How can I restore that black glossy smoothness? Ideas?

 

[electron1100]

Bakelite

Hi I normally use T-cut on bakelite and have had no problems using this to polish bakelite
Gary

 

[turquoisedude]

You can also 'restore' a bakelite agitator by coating it with varnish. I am about to try this on my 1966 Inglis automatic washer - I'll post photos when it's done!

 

[whirlpolf]

hey, you are fast!

thanks guys, sounds great! But: what is T-cut? Can I get it here in Germany?

 

[sudsmaster]

Most worn Bakelite cannot be polished once the shiny outer layer is worn through. Underneath is the wood flour/phenolic resin mix, and it won't take a shine.

I used a clear enamel on my RCA Whirlpool agitator and it came out pretty good (except for the runs). I know others have had good results with clear enamel as well.

Haven't tried to run the machine as yet with the refinished agitator, though.