Instructions and Application:

	Apply a small dab of Simichrome on to the tip of a cotton swab. The amount shown in the picture is much more than you need, but I want you to be able to see that Simchrome out of the tube is pink in color.
	After rubbing the plastic belt buckle, notice how the Simichome on the end of the cotton swab has change in color from pink to a dark yellow. You do not have to rub long or hard for this to happen. You will know in a matter of 10 to 15 seconds.
	Notice the colors on the Q-tip after rubbing the plastic belt buckle in the background with Simichrome polish. The tip of the cotton swab has changed from pink to yellow. There is still some pink Simichrome polish to the left of the yellow spot on the cotton swab to show you the contrast in colors.
	The last picture shows a round brown plastic button that failed the bakelite test. Notice how the polish is still pink on the cotton swab after it has been rubbed onto the button. I have heard of at least 6 or 7 other tests for bakelite. However, often when you see antique dealers advertising that their wares, it is not unusual for them to say in their item description that it passes the “Simichrome test”.

Please note that neither Happich who makes Simichrome nor I, thepolishguy.com guarantee the results of this test nor authorize it. It does seem to be for some reason the gold standard for bakelite testing in the antique & collectible trade.

Materials Used:

• Simichrome polish in a 1.76 ounce tube
• cotton swab

Polish Guy Tip : “Whether your item is bakelite or not, Simichrome with clean and polish it and make it look so much better. Always try any polish in an inconspicuous place to see if you like the results. “