Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Identification, Repair & Restoration => Telephone Troubleshooting and Repair => Topic started by: Bill on September 16, 2008, 11:15:54 AM

Title: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Bill on September 16, 2008, 11:15:54 AM
Is there a consensus about this stuff? One of my buddies started a local business-phone company, and he loved it since he primarily installed used phones to keep the customer's cost down. But he sold the company before the long-term quality could be judged.

Bill
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Mark Stevens on September 16, 2008, 11:47:22 AM
Were you thinking of using it on thermoplastic or bakelite? I haven't tried Glayzit, but for thermoplastic I don't think you can beat Novus #2. I believe Glayzit was formulated for bakelite, and while I've gotten good results with Novus on bakelite (as long as it's not too rough), Glayzit could be better. Brasso, that's good stuff for bakelite, too.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: benhutcherson on September 16, 2008, 09:41:26 PM
"Brasso, that's good stuff for bakelite, too."

Glad to see that I'm not the only one to use it on plastic.

I use it a whole lot on thermoplastic, too. I've found it to be by far the best for getting paint splatters off of telephone shells.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: BOB BONCHAK on September 17, 2008, 07:49:52 PM
From the Manufacturer's Catalog:  "Used by over 5000 telephone exchanges for the economical reconditioning of both metal and plastic telephone instrument cases.  As it cleans, Glaz-It restores the original luster and color of the surface leaving a hard gloss, dust resistant finish."  The manufacturer represents that has been in business since 1927 (How many can claim that!).  As a bakelite radio collector, I have used GLAYZIT with excellent results.  It is not cheap, but produces a finish equal to a Brasso (old formulation) treatment with a lot less effort.  I'm local to the manufacturer and thus can obtain a case at good cost, and pass on the cost saving to fellow collectors.  Contact me directly if you are interested in trying a can.
BOB
Bonchakrs@aol.com
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 17, 2008, 08:15:29 PM
Bob, Is Glayzit available in retail outlets??
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: BOB BONCHAK on September 19, 2008, 09:08:13 PM
Hi Dennis:
The only "retail" sources that I know of are Antique Electronic Supply, and Radio Daze, both of which cater to antique radio collector/restorers.  GLAYZIT, originally produced for telephone applications, has become a popular item for the cleaning/polishing of bakelite radio cabinets.  If you have a telephone "jobber" near you, you might check with it. 
BOB
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 19, 2008, 11:14:05 PM
Thanks Bob.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 20, 2008, 06:55:42 PM
"Brasso", is without a doubt, hands down trhe best polish for Plastic, Colored or Clear, Bakelite, Metal Ferrous or Non Ferrous.

As far as rubbing so much on bakelite that you actually polish right through the crusk, I've never had that happen. However you can sand past a point where the finish will not come back. I use "Brasso", and all the bakeilte does for me is get shinier.
Some may disagree, that is my experience.

Dan/Panther
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: bingster on September 20, 2008, 07:06:32 PM
Count me in as a member of the Brasso Bandwagon, too.  I've found it's absolutely brilliant for bakelite, and every other kind of plastic I've ever tried it on.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 21, 2008, 04:36:34 AM
Bob;
I see you mention, "OLD Formula Brasso". I noticed the same thing on the last can I bought. I mentioned it on the ARF, and most suggested that I may have gotten a bad batch, but you seem to confirm my suspicions. They have changed the formula haven't they.
I seem to have to use a little more elbow grease to obtain the same results as before. Anyone else have that same experience. the formula seems to me to be a little on the pink side, as compared to a deeper beige color I have been used to. It smells the same, but seem thinner also.
Dan/panther
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: exray on September 21, 2008, 06:57:42 AM
Hi folks,
BOB and I have compared GLAYZIT and similar products at length and come away with two totally different opinions of the stuff and its claims.

The Novus and Brasso actually have a slight abrasive content which is useful for erasing years of use and light scratching and leave no residual 'oil' on the surface.  GLAYZIT is just the opposite.  So you can see that the use for either is different based on what you are looking for.  The fact that they are both called "polish" is confusing.

I find this phrase "leaving a hard gloss, dust resistant finish." to be deceptive.  The hard gloss is the telephone material itself.  GLAYZIT adds no finish per se.  The dust resistant part is somewhat true.  I'm sure most are familiar with Endust furniture polish.  Same idea.

Brings up a question though and since there are some phone people here maybe I can finally find an answer :)  Years ago (302-era for example) it seems like some phones were coated with a thin 'glazing' of something almost like lacquer.    It was noticeable  as it started to peel or flake after use.  Does this ring a bell with anybody?  When I first heard of GLAYZIT I thought it was that stuff.  Maybe that is what their product was back in the 50s?  I've always wondered if that was original or something added during cleanup by our local company (Southern Bell) in the 50s.

Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Mark Stevens on September 21, 2008, 07:13:58 AM
Quote from: exray on September 21, 2008, 06:57:42 AM
Brings up a question though and since there are some phone people here maybe I can finally find an answer :)  Years ago (302-era for example) it seems like some phones were coated with a thin 'glazing' of something almost like lacquer.    It was noticeable  as it started to peel or flake after use.  Does this ring a bell with anybody?

Welcome to the forum, exray!  I remember the clear coating you describe, but not necessarily on phones. In fact, I can't recall where I've seen it. It's been a long time since I've noticed that coating, and I'm remembering it being on bakelite items.  It was a very thin glaze, thinner than what one would expect from lacquer or varnish, but it didn't flake off quite in the same way. Sorry I don't have any info. to contribute, but I definitely know what you're talking about.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: bingster on September 21, 2008, 09:40:02 AM
Quote from: exray on September 21, 2008, 06:57:42 AMYears ago (302-era for example) it seems like some phones were coated with a thin 'glazing' of something almost like lacquer.    It was noticeable  as it started to peel or flake after use.  Does this ring a bell with anybody? 
Welcome aboard, Exray!  I've seen 302s on eBay that show this, and I always wondered what was behind it.  It looks like a very thin coating of black paint or something, and is usually worn and chipped just like paint would be.  I've seen it too often for it to be a homeowner's fix, so it seems like it must have been part of a refurbishment process.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 21, 2008, 10:45:20 AM
Exray;
So glad to hear from you, and welcome to our little world, that is growing very rapidly.
Funny you mention that coating.
The other night I soaked the black plastic cover to my WE500, in a warm bath of mild detergent to remove the dirt.
When I pulled it from the water, much to my surprise, my black phone was now a milky white, some kind of coating got washed off.

Somewhere recently I read that years ago they recommended wiping down bakelite with a slight coating of mineral oil, I would think that would be a big dust magnet ? Maybe that is what that gooey, impossible to remove susbstance is that lurks in the corners of bakelite cabinets.

Dan/Panther
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 21, 2008, 12:08:30 PM
I will put my 2 cents worth on a couple of topics here.  (I've just logged in after being away for 24 hours and have a lot to catch up on!)

Dan/Panther, the milky look you describe on your soft plastic model 500 case will return to normal color once the phone has dried.  I have learned in soaking them to not let the water get too hot.  The first time I did this I thought I ruined the phone, but it returned to its original color after returning to room temperature.  I like to use water that is not quite HOT but a warmer than warm.  That is on the plastic housings.

With regard to Brasso, I used to use it all the time for cleaning metal parts.  I have to admit I never tried it on plastic as I thought it may be too caustic and ruin the plastic.  I refurbish a fair amount of telephones and would go through the stuff quickly.  It's been about a year now since I went to  buy another "can" and found that it was now in plastic squirt bottles.  The product is absolutely changed.  It's a thicker, foamy type cleaner.  I used to soak screws, nuts, washers, etc., completely submerged in the stuff.  That alone would clean a lot of surface corrosion off the part.  But I can't do it with this new formula.  It reminded me of Old Coke vs New Coke.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Brasso has been around since the beginning of time and some genius decided to change it. 

I would also use it on the ringer gongs exclusively.  However since then I discovered Simichrome polish.  I think it does a much better job on all metal parts, especially the gongs.  Another trick I learned was to boil the gongs in a mixture of vinegar/water before polishing.  It cuts the cleaning time in half.  You can see what I wrote about it here on my blog site:
http://www.vintagerotaryphones.com/?p=91

Another collector friend of mine swears that Novus2 does the best job on his gongs.  After polishing he likes to wash them in warm soapy water again to remove the polish residue.  So I guess it is whatever each person feels works best.  I was chastised a while back by a man that believed the gongs should be left alone and not polished at all.  He said that in his opinion the gongs left the factory without a shine.  In fact they do have a thin layer of lacquer on them when they come from the factory.

That's my take on Brasso.  I will give it a shot on plastic/Bakelite but I use Simichrome polish pretty much exclusively now.  It comes in a small tube like toothpaste and is rather expensive, just under $10 for a small tube.  But a little goes a long way.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Bill Cahill on September 21, 2008, 03:47:04 PM
 ;D Welcome to the forums, Exray!! Glad to see you come.....
I've never tried Brasso on any type of plastic, but, I will surely see what it does. I was given a bakelite RCA battery radio by friend Exray some time ago, and, the bakelite has dulled considerably. Exray said he had tried several ideas, but, at best, they didn't last long. Anybody got any ideas on that?
Bill Cahill  ;D
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: BDM on September 21, 2008, 04:09:21 PM
Hey 'ex, surprised to see you here. Anyhoot, I've used Brasso on plastic and bakelite many a time. With a low speed buffer, it does quite a nice job. The radio collectors have been using it for years on bakelite.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: benhutcherson on September 21, 2008, 06:56:33 PM
I too have observed this flaking-off coating on Bakelite, particularly on F-1 handsets.

Here is a photo of the four F-1 handsets I have in my collection. The second one from the left, as you can see, is very smooth and shiny. I've done very little to this one, other than wiping it down with a damp cloth and then a very light treatment of Armor-All.

The other three, as you can see, have a rough finish. They've all been scrubbed with soap and water, lots of Brasso, and then Armor-all, yet still have this finish. You can see where some of the glossy finish remains on the second from the right.

(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee204/ben10ben/IMG_0682ed.jpg)
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 22, 2008, 12:42:36 AM
This is my WE500 ringers before and after, using BRASSO, and White Scotchbrite ONLY, and a lot of elbow grease, it took about 30 minutes to do both bells., The white Scotchbrite is about the least abrasive all the colors. Each color is a different grit so to speak, in case some didn't know that.

Dan/Panther
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Mark Stevens on September 22, 2008, 08:18:22 AM
The only thing I'll use to polish brass is Nevr-Dull Magic Wadding Polish. It works great, and makes a gong nice and shiny in a couple of minutes. Besides doing a good job, it doesn't require a separate applicator...you just pull-off whatever size piece of wadding you like and get after it! I haven't bought any in a couple of years, but hopefully it's still around. It used to be available at motorcycle shops and, I assume, auto parts and hardware stores.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Sean on September 22, 2008, 12:16:44 PM
Many have mentioned original formula Brasso. Any of you have a source for it? It's difficult for me to tell online what is what.

Thanks!

Sean
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: bingster on September 22, 2008, 12:19:03 PM
I think your best bet is to look at the local hardware store, preferably one that isn't terribly busy, and is likely to have stock sitting on the shelf for a good while.  Basically you want Brasso in the metal can, rather than the plastic squeeze bottle.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Sean on September 23, 2008, 12:33:34 PM
I suppose that's part of the question for me. It looks like on the internet that you can purchase Brasso in a can. Is the stuff in a can (with an updated label) the same as the old formula, or is it the new formula?
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: bingster on September 23, 2008, 01:23:12 PM
That's a good question.  I just assumed that the plastic bottle was replacing the metal can.  Maybe you have to get the cans with the old label?

At any rate, those of us who find Brasso indespensible should be sending e-mails to whatever conglomerate owns Brasso this week to let them know how unhappy we are with the change.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 23, 2008, 01:37:25 PM
I just called Brasso's 800 number, and here is the 411... ???


Sad but true >:( she said;'Due to environmental issues ::), the Violet Organic Compounds ??? have been lowered in Brasso, it will do the same job, but with slightly more effort." I assume the Violet compounds she mentioned are Carbon Dioxide related, so it is probably the ammonia content that was lowered. ;D

She also explained that it is in direct response from laws past in the Great State of California ::), My home state ::), NOT MY BIRTH STATE, I was born in the Marvelous state of New York :), and now reside in a permanent state of confusion ???. ( I might add with great Help From Mr. Bill Cahill  :o :o).
She further stated that the formula, is an across the board issue, not subject to change now or in the future. :(
I wonder if adding a slight amount of ammonia :o will return it's former glory ??????
So once again, The Peoples Republic of California 8), is dictating unfavorable condition for the entire country :-\.
I'm ashamed at this juncture, to say I live here :-\.
Regards to all;
D/P
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Bill Cahill on September 23, 2008, 01:47:30 PM
Quote from: Dan/Panther on September 23, 2008, 01:37:25 PM
I just called Brasso's 800 number, and here is the 411... ???


Sad but true >:( she said;'Due to environmental issues ::), the Violet Organic Compounds ??? have been lowered in Brasso, it will do the same job, but with slightly more effort." I assume the Violet compounds she mentioned are Carbon Dioxide related, so it is probably the ammonia content that was lowered. ;D

She also explained that it is in direct response from laws past in the Great State of California ::), My home state ::), NOT MY BIRTH STATE, I was born in the Marvelous state of New York :), and now reside in a permanent state of confusion ???. ( I might add with great Help From Mr. Bill Cahill  :o :o).
She further stated that the formula, is an across the board issue, not subject to change now or in the future. :(
I wonder if adding a slight amount of ammonia :o will return it's former glory ??????
So once again, The Peoples Republic of California 8), is dictating unfavorable condition for the entire country :-\.
I'm ashamed at this juncture, to say I live here :-\.
Regards to all;
D/P



Dan, did you forget your meds again? Every time he forgets his meds, he blames me.
You see, his confusion started long before I ever met him.
Don't worry, Dan. Just take your meds, and, you'll be fine.....
Bill Cahill  ;D
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dennis Markham on September 23, 2008, 01:59:21 PM
Thank you Dan for the final word on Brasso.  As Ricky Ricardo would say (OK, I'm old enough to know who Ricky Ricardo is) "...dat 'splains dat one Lucy".....
I went to all of my favorite places to find that it all had been removed from the shelves (the cans).  None of the store employees knew why.

Funny comment Bill.....gave me a chuckle.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Sean on September 23, 2008, 03:43:09 PM
I went to the local hardware store and found a big arse gallon sized can with the original label and forked over $36.00 and away I went. I shall have a great time polishing the AE 50s at the house.

Thanks for your input all y'all, and let us know what you all will be moving to once the fountain of ol standby Brasso has run dry due to the Great State (well maybe) of Californication.

Sean
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Mark Stevens on September 23, 2008, 03:47:34 PM
Quote from: Sean on September 23, 2008, 03:43:09 PM
I went to the local hardware store and found a big arse gallon sized can with the original label and forked over $36.00 and away I went. I shall have a great time polishing the AE 50s at the house.

SCORE!  Maybe you should list it on eBay...
you could make a bundle!  ;)
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: benhutcherson on September 23, 2008, 05:12:06 PM
To my nose at least, the ammonia content of the new formula is significantly higher than it every was for the old formula.

In any case, I'm pretty sure that the only things in the old formula that could be classified as volatile  organic compounds(VOCs) were listed on the label as "light petroleum distillates". Since the label didn't elaborate, it's hard to say just what exactly they were, but to me at least old formula Brasso always smelled very kerosene-like. I don't detect that smell in the newer formula Brasso.

So, it sounds to me as if Brasso may have eliminated most of the paraffin content that was present in the old formula This would account for the different smell and the different texture. If that's the case, it may be possible to roughly approximate old formula Brasso by adding a small amount of petroleum ether or mineral spirits to the new formula.

I'll experiment with that when I get a chance.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: Dan/Panther on September 23, 2008, 11:58:42 PM
In the ARF we are also talking about Brasso, it appears the missing compound, is Benzene......

D/P
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: benhutcherson on September 24, 2008, 06:56:40 PM
Given that benzene has been recognized as a carcinogen for quite a while now, it would really surprise me if even "old formula" Brasso had benzene in it-or at least any Brasso made in the past 30 years.

That's not to say that there wasn't some sort of Benzene-related compound like toluene or xylene, although there again I don't recall smelling anything of the sort.

If I can get a hold of some old-formula Brasso, I'd be glad to analyze it and find out just what exactly it's missing vs. the new formula. I'll have to look around locally and see if anyone has some.
Title: Re: Magnolia Glayzit Polish
Post by: McHeath on September 24, 2008, 07:47:01 PM
QuoteSo once again, The Peoples Republic of California Cool, is dictating unfavorable condition for the entire country Undecided.
I'm ashamed at this juncture, to say I live here

Now now.  It's not all bad here in the land of lotus, why someday we are going to get a state budget passed.