Why is Bakelite so popular?

Because of its electrical nonconductivity and heat-resistant properties, it became a great commercial success. It was used in electrical insulators, radio and telephone casings, and such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelry, pipe stems, children's toys, and firearms.

What was so special about Bakelite?

Like many modern plastics, Bakelite was lightweight and durable, and it could be molded into nearly infinite shapes, so its use quickly expanded as manufacturers realized its potential.

Why is Bakelite no longer used?

Compared to the other plastics that have now replaced it, Bakelite was expensive, fragile, and hard to repair.

What year did they stop using Bakelite?

Bakelite applications in conservation were discontinued in the 1940s because of certain disadvantages that soon became apparent. The lack of records and relevant information precludes any assumption on the extent of its use and in which institutions.

Is Bakelite still collectible?

Today, jewelry made of original Bakelite material still holds its value as seen in this Mark Davis Floral Bakelite Bangle and this Four Color Bakelite Beaded Necklace. Collectors often deal in vintage Bakelite and suggest only buying from a reputable and experienced dealer as a way to avoid purchasing Fakelite.

What is bakelite?

What color Bakelite is the most valuable?

Red is one of the most sought-after Bakelite colors, and the classic cherry design is one of the most popular Bakelite forms, forming a perfect pair in this eccentric bauble.

Does Bakelite have any value?

Bakelite is an item a jewelry collector should keep an eye out for considering how prices have risen over the last few decades. Authentic bakelite jewelry can sell for thousands of dollars, so it's important you learn how to tell the difference between genuine and imposter plastic jewelry.

Does Bakelite still contain asbestos?

Unfortunately asbestos was sometimes added as a filler instead of wood. Bakelite products can therefore contain up to 5% amosite (brown asbestos) which is extremely dangerous, but it is impossible to know which Bakelite products, or how many, contain asbestos.

How can you tell vintage Bakelite?

The "Hot Water" smell test - Dip your item into hot water or create friction on the item by rubbing it on a piece of clothing to create some heat. Authentic Bakelite will have a chemical smell of formaldehyde. The Weight Test - Bakelite should feel heavy and substantial for its size.

Does modern Bakelite contain asbestos?

While Bakelite contained asbestos from at least 1909 to 1974, most American manufacturers phased out asbestos around the mid-1980s. Asbestos plastic products remain in production internationally.

Is it safe to wear Bakelite?

Bakelite jewelry is stable and considered as safe to wear as any other plastic jewelry; the danger in terms of chemical exposure was in the manufacturing process.

What are the problems with Bakelite?

However, bakelite had its obvious limitations: it was resistant, but fragile. The hardness and lack of flexibility that made it suitable for certain uses was a drawback for others. “You couldn't make packaging from Bakelite, or fabric, or anything transparent, super lightweight things,” Freinkel sums up.

Does Bakelite get brittle with age?

Store it out of direct sunlight, which fades the colors, and away from heat sources, since temperatures over 100 degrees make Bakelite brittle. Handle it carefully but don't be afraid to use it. Your Bakelite has already lasted for decades, and chances are you will enjoy it for many more.

Why Bakelite Cannot be recycled?

Thermosetting plastics, like Bakelite or polyurethane, are different because they harden as you heat them. Once they have set, you can't melt them. This makes thermosetting plastics almost impossible to recycle.

What is Bakelite replaced by now?

Ultimately, Bakelite was replaced by other plastics that shared its desirable qualities, but could also take bright colors. Today, only one or two firms now make phenolic resins, but Baekeland's creation set the mold for the modern plastics industry.

Is Bakelite toxic to humans?

Bakelite is a manufactured, synthetic plastic containing high amounts of toxic polymers like formaldehyde and asbestos among others. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the nose, eyes, throat and skin. High levels of exposure to formaldehyde may even cause some types of cancers.

Is Bakelite dust toxic?

In contrast, Bakelite is made from phenol and formaldehyde, both highly toxic chemicals (Tišler and Zagorc-Končan, 1997), and its fragility can lead to the generation of a variety of microplastics and consequent leaching of these chemicals into the environment.

What are the pros and cons of Bakelite?

Pros: Bakelite tabletops are lighter than stone and can be easily moved from inside to outside. However, just like stone, Bakelite is relatively scratch and heat-resistant. Cons: If you are looking for the heft and sound of stone, Bakelite will be disappointingly light, and it has a hollow, ringing sound.

Why does Bakelite smell?

When we think of overheating plastic, we think of plastic melting. But Bakelite is a little different. When overheated, it doesn't melt, but instead breaks down into its constituent parts, one of which (formaldehyde) smells nasty, and isn't good to inhale.

Can you get Bakelite wet?

If you already have the piece at home and it can safely get wet, dip the piece in very hot (not boiling!) water, and check for the telltale formaldehyde-like odor.

How do you clean Bakelite UK?

Does Bakelite always smell?

The Smell Test

Rub the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel the plastic heat up. Then, before it cools, take a whiff. A distinct chemical odor similar to formaldehyde will linger with most genuine Bakelite. This often takes a bit of practice, but it works well for many people while out shopping.

Can I use WD40 on Bakelite?

We've always found that if the surface is not too bad; a quick rub over with WD40 works wonders. If they are badly faded, Autosol (Used to be called Autosolvol) chrome polish usually does the job.

Is Bakelite costly?

The avg. market price of Bakelite Sheets in India is Rs 700/ Sheet.