Alexei Volkov
Bakelite is a type of early plastic that is heavier and denser than other types of plastic. It also has a distinct chemical odour similar to formaldehyde, which can be released by running hot water over the plastic or by rubbing it vigorously. Bakelite comes in a variety of colours, including mustard, caramel, reds, oranges, greens, tortoiseshell, burgundy, and black, although prolonged exposure to light may cause it to darken or yellow. To test if a piece is made of Bakelite, one can use the Simichrome or Formula 409 polish, which turns from pink to yellow when reacting with the chemicals in Bakelite. Another test involves listening for a deep bamboo-like clunk sound when two pieces of Bakelite are tapped together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Bakelite is heavier than other plastics like celluloid and Lucite. |
| Sound | Bakelite produces a deeper, more bamboo-like sound when clunked together, whereas other plastics sound higher-pitched and more brittle. |
| Colour | Bakelite comes in deep, rich colours like mustard, caramel, reds, oranges, greens, tortoiseshell, burgundy, and black. Transparent and marbled colours are also common. The colours tend to darken with age. |
| Smell | When rubbed vigorously with a thumb, Bakelite emits a musty phenol or formaldehyde-like odour. |
| Reaction to Simichrome Polish | When a small amount of Simichrome Polish is rubbed onto Bakelite, the polish turns from pink to yellow due to a reaction with the chemicals in Bakelite. |
| Reaction to Hot Water | When placed under hot running water, Bakelite releases a formaldehyde-like scent. |
| Reaction to Formula 409 | Formula 409 turns from pink to yellow when it comes into contact with Bakelite. |
| Wear and Tear | Bakelite exhibits minor scratching, patina, and tiny chips on the edges of carvings. It does not have mould seams that are present in other types of plastic jewellery. |
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What You'll Learn
- The hot water test: Place plastic under hot water to release Bakelite's formaldehyde scent
- The thumb test: Rub plastic with your thumb until hot, then smell for a chemical odour
- The weight test: Bakelite feels heavier than other plastics
- The sound test: Bakelite makes a deeper sound when tapped
- The polish test: Apply Simichrome Polish to a cloth and rub—if the cloth turns yellow, it's Bakelite
The hot water test: Place plastic under hot water to release Bakelite's formaldehyde scent
The hot water test is a standard method for determining whether an item is made of Bakelite. To perform the test, place the piece of plastic in question under hot running tap water. The heat from the water will cause Bakelite to release its formaldehyde scent. This test is useful because it can be done at home with minimal equipment, although it may not be practical when buying items in a market setting.
The hot water test is not the only way to identify Bakelite. Another common method is to apply Simichrome Polish, a non-abrasive cream formulated to clean metals, to a small area on the inside or back of the item. If the item is made of Bakelite, the cream will turn yellow. However, lacquered or black Bakelite pieces may fail this test, so it is often followed up with the hot water test to confirm authenticity.
The weight of the item can also be a clue, as Bakelite tends to feel heavier than other types of plastic. By holding a known piece of Bakelite in one hand and a piece of another type of plastic in the other, you can often notice the weight difference. Additionally, Bakelite has a distinct sound when tapped together; it produces a deeper, bamboo-like "clunk" compared to the higher-pitched sound of other plastics.
While these tests can be helpful, there is no single failsafe method to identify Bakelite. A combination of these tests, as well as examining the item for signs of wear and tear, can help you make a more confident determination.
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The thumb test: Rub plastic with your thumb until hot, then smell for a chemical odour
One way to tell Bakelite from plastic is through the thumb test. This test involves rubbing the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel the plastic heat up. Then, before it cools, take a sniff. If it is Bakelite, you should be able to smell a distinct chemical odour, similar to formaldehyde. This test may require a bit of practice, but it is a good method to use when out shopping.
The thumb test is a good alternative to the hot water test, which involves placing a piece of plastic under hot running tap water to release the Bakelite's formaldehyde-like scent. However, if there is wood present in the item, it is best to avoid the hot water test as the wood may be damaged and discoloured.
The thumb test can also be useful for detecting the characteristic musty phenol odour of Bakelite, which has been described as a sickly sweet or resin smell. This smell is often produced by older pieces of Bakelite or black jewellery, which may require more rubbing to detect the scent.
It is important to note that the smell test does not work for everyone, so if you cannot detect the smell, it does not necessarily mean that the item is not Bakelite. Additionally, be careful when performing the thumb test to avoid thumb blisters from rubbing the plastic too vigorously.
Overall, the thumb test is a simple and effective way to help identify Bakelite, especially when combined with other tests and methods such as examining the weight, texture, colour, and sound of the item.
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The weight test: Bakelite feels heavier than other plastics
When it comes to distinguishing Bakelite from other plastics, one of the key tests to apply is the weight test. Bakelite tends to be heavier than modern plastics such as Lucite and celluloid. By familiarising yourself with the typical weight of Bakelite, you can more easily identify it through comparison. Hold a known piece of Bakelite jewellery in one hand and a piece of plastic of approximately the same size in the other. You will often notice that the Bakelite feels heavier.
The weight test is a good starting point when inspecting potential Bakelite pieces, but it should be combined with other tests for confirmation. One reason for this is that Bakelite comes in a variety of forms, and while it is generally heavier than other plastics, it can also be quite lightweight. Bakelite was invented in 1907 and is considered the first synthetic plastic. It is a lightweight, durable phenolic resin that can be produced in a wide range of colours and applications, from jewellery to telephone cases.
The weight of Bakelite pieces can vary depending on factors such as the size, thickness, and level of wear. For example, a highly polished piece of Bakelite may feel waxy and slippery to the touch, while a stripped piece may feel slightly abrasive. Additionally, the weight test may be less reliable for identifying smaller items, as the difference in weight between Bakelite and other plastics may be less noticeable.
It is also important to note that while Bakelite tends to be heavier than some other plastics, it may not always feel significantly heavier than similar-sized pieces made of denser plastic materials. Therefore, combining the weight test with other methods, such as the hot water test, the Simichrome polish test, or the sound test, can help improve the accuracy of your identification.
By applying the weight test in conjunction with other authentication methods, you can more confidently distinguish Bakelite from other plastics and make informed decisions when hunting for vintage treasures.
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The sound test: Bakelite makes a deeper sound when tapped
One way to identify Bakelite is through its distinctive sound when tapped. Bakelite pieces make a deeper sound when knocked together, often described as a "clunk", "clank", or "clack". This sound is quite different from the higher-pitched, more brittle sound produced by other plastics. The size and weight of the items being tapped will create different sounds, so this method should be used alongside other testing methods for more accurate results.
To perform the sound test, you can try knocking two pieces that you know to be Bakelite together, and then compare the sound to that of two pieces of another type of plastic. Alternatively, you can tap a plastic or Lucite bracelet on a table, and then tap a Bakelite bracelet in the same way. The Bakelite bracelet should produce a deeper sound.
The sound test is based on the fact that Bakelite is heavier and denser than many other types of plastic. This density contributes to the deeper sound it produces when tapped. However, it can be difficult to distinguish the sound of Bakelite from that of other plastics, especially if the items being compared are of different sizes and weights. Therefore, it is recommended to use the sound test in conjunction with other testing methods, such as the hot water test or the weight test, to more confidently identify Bakelite.
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The polish test: Apply Simichrome Polish to a cloth and rub—if the cloth turns yellow, it's Bakelite
One of the most reliable ways to determine whether an item is made of Bakelite or plastic is by performing the polish test. This simple test can provide valuable insight into the composition of the material and help distinguish between Bakelite and plastic.
To perform the polish test, you'll need a clean cloth and a tube of Simichrome Polish. Simichrome Polish is a specially formulated polish that is commonly used for this purpose due to its effectiveness in identifying Bakelite. It is easily available online or at hardware stores.
Start by applying a small amount of Simichrome Polish onto the cloth. Rub the polish gently onto the surface of the item in question. It is important to apply the polish to an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the process does not damage any decorative elements or finishings on the item. Choose a spot that is usually hidden or not easily visible.
If the cloth turns yellow upon rubbing, it is a strong indication that the item is made of Bakelite. This colour transfer occurs due to a chemical reaction between the polish and the Bakelite material. The presence of yellow colouration confirms the existence of Bakelite, as this unique behaviour is not observed with other types of plastics.
By following these straightforward steps and observing the colour change, you can confidently identify Bakelite items through the polish test. This test is an invaluable tool for collectors, antique enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to differentiate Bakelite from plastic accurately and efficiently.
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