Safest way to clean Bakelite and other Lionel plastics?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
21

Not really.

The danger with the naptha or lighter fluid is not to the Bakelite. I should have made that clear - I thought it was obvious.

Rob

22

Not Really.

The danger with the naptha or lighter fluid is not to the Bakelite - I thought it was obvious.

23

Not Really.

The danger with the naptha or lighter fluid is not to the Bakelite - I thought that was obvious.

24

You did. I cant think of a solvent that is effective that isnt highly flammable. Its just something you should be careful using. I work on cars regularly, and do paintwork. Im used to these things.

25

Try Simple Green (undiluted)

I like to minimze my direct exposure and my family’s indrect exposure to petrolum products, and other chemicals.

It’s no surprise that lighter fluid didn’t attack your bakelite pieces. I wonder whether you’d get the same results with the more modern plastics that were introduced over the years. I also wonder whether lighter fluid will attack paint and lettering. I don’t plan to find out.

SIMPLE GREEN WILL REMOVE PAINT AND LETTERING.

26

  1. No solvent is typically needed for Bakelite. Soap & water, detergent & water, is all you need.

  2. Don’t use solvents inside. Many fumes(especially petroleum) are heavier than air and where they travel(to ignition sources) is unpredictable.

Rob