Help with bakelite testing

[hoss640]

So the friction sniff they all smell the same so I tested with simichrome am I doing something wrong the first black is a no but all others appear as positive...

[hoss640]

[dream*peddler]

The two apple juice colored pieces look like prystal bakelite, and the color on the swab looks good on the last piece.

[1940fc]

Seems like I read somewhere black (or was it red)  can be difficult to test? 

[flipping_treasures]

Both red and black bakelite can be difficult to test.  If it looks like bakelite, and smells like bakelite and is black or red, it probably is bakelite.

[dream*peddler]

Yes, black and red can sometimes be hard to test.

[hoss640]

The backs are different the one that test positive is smooth and finished the other is more a matte finish like a chalkboard. All the black ones I can find online so far are smooth and finished

[1940fc]

Found it:  (sorry for some reason I can`t copy paste it all  here  so had to type out the pertinent part)

..........If it`s Bakelite the cloth should turn yellow with ease. If a piece is laquered it may test negative.

Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. Use the other tests above to confirm authenticity if the piece you suspect to be Bakelite fails with the Simichrome

The other tests mentioned were Feel, Smell, Sight, & 409

[mforjan]

Also, construction should be considered, you pieces look right.

Pin stems and clip backs should be screwed into the plastic, glued on backs are suspect. Plus, is it carved, not molded? Do you see mold lines? Bakelite was never molded so the edges should be sharper, not rounded over, and there should be no mold lines 🙂

[gauntlettgems]

How come I can never smell bakelite? I tried the warm water and rub method and I can never tell.

[hoss640]

I always rub until it warms my finger a lot and I use hot water. The smell is to be desired. I usually can't afford bakelite when I find it but I purchased a few recently I could afford. This is the first time I have ever tested with simichrome and got a positive result I didn't see any mold lines, but will find my loop and look again.

[gauntlettgems]

I only get it by mistake....

[veraohio]

The Awesome Cleaner from Dollar Tree also works I've found from another board and have tested it,  soI  can confirm.