What do you use to clean up the old AM bakelite switches?

Polish with Brasso and finish with good quality furniture wax. Don’t use anything with silicon in it, only plain wax or beeswax.

What’s the recommended way to get paint overspray off bakelite? fine grit sandpaper then polish/wax as above ok or will it make the surface too porus?

I’d be inclined to try something gentle like this to start with

http://www.howesmodels.co.uk/product/MODELSTRIP%20-%20The%20plastic%20model%20paint%20stripper

but as ever – first test on an inconspicuous area – or on an old battered item of the same material that is past meaningful salvage

What’s the recommended way to get paint overspray off bakelite? fine grit sandpaper then polish/wax as above ok or will it make the surface too porus?

Also. break an Almond in two and rub the flesh over it, works great on tortoise shell too.

Black boot polish and boot bruish – 100% Guaranteed!

TT

Start with a good clean with a baby wipe.

Then use a wax – boot polish is good, or Grate polish.

Bakelite restoration

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.

A friend who restores old radios, reckons this stuff is pretty good.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GREYGATE-BAKELITE-POLISH-PASTE-POLISHING-No5-60g-TUBE-/120795187027

Followed by rubbing over with silicone oil