Simichrome substitute?

[caleath]

I have been using plastic polish for headlights, it works fine for my esterbrooks.

[cedargirl]

Is there a substitute for Simichrome that I can use to polish my Esterbrook pens?

I've searched local auto parts stores and they have all sort of metal, chrome and even headlight polishing creams... But no Simichrome. I probably will have to buy this stuff online but the search got me thinking: Is there a substitute?

Do you mean for polishing the plastic on your Esterbrooks?

--Daniel

Yes. I also found it odd. But it seems that's what the pros use...

Well, I'm a pro, and I don't use it, and I don't recommend it. It's not formulated for plastics, it has substances in it I choose not to expose pens to (mineral spirits, kerosene), and it leaves powdery residue in crevices that is a pain to remove. Probably a third of the pens that cross my bench have obviously been Simichromed, and I spend a lot of time eradicating that tenacious powder.

--Daniel

Hi kirchh - what do you use? Or is it a trade secret?

[Paul-H]

Hi

Has anyone ever tried good old tooth paste, that is often recommended for fine polishing of plastic. So might be worth a try on a pen.

Paul

[carlos.q]

I have been using plastic polish for headlights, it works fine for my esterbrooks.

I saw this at the auto parts store and it seemed to be a reasonable alternative. I mean, it seems to be a lot more reasonable to use a plastic polish on an Esterbrook than a metal/chrome polish.

Any more ideas?

[carlos.q]

Has anyone ever tried good old tooth paist, that is often recomended for fine polishing of plastic. So might be worth a try on a pen.

Sorry to say, but I have never heard of this.

[ardgedee]

I've used toothpaste for polishing scratches out of CDs. It works, but it's difficult to get a proper clear finish with it. There is a fresh minty smell when you're finished, though.

[AndyT]

A soft cloth is as far as I go with pens - well pens which matter anyway. However, a polish which I've used for other purposes with outstanding results is Belgom Alu. It's a milky liquid, so presumably it's another aluminium oxide suspension and it seems to have a waxy component. Definitely one of the least aggressive polishes I've come across. Results on celluloid and acrylic razor scales have been gratifying, it also works wonders on non ferrous metals, bone and buffalo horn by the way. So, maybe something else to give a cautious trial run.

[john]

carlos.q, I don't know if you can find it in your place or not. I use the V-tech Vitalsol (Malaysian product)for polishing the metal parts of the pen even the gold plated clip or cap band. It is safe, not aggressive and leaving no polish mark. Vitalsol is cheap and effective. You can also use on the plastic except Omas resin.
Attachment 3620

Vitalsol is marketed as being able to "restore the shine of heavily weathered and corroded surfaces," and in addition to a powerful abrasive, it contains a wax which it leaves behind. How have you concluded that it is safe for gold-plated pen trim and also for most plastics?

--Daniel

Until now I still use it, I don't have any issue with Vitalsol. I use it on my pens and electric guitars gold plated hardwear and the high gloss finish with great effect. If being hesitated, then don't use it.

[carlos.q]

I've used toothpaste for polishing scratches out of CDs. It works, but it's difficult to get a proper clear finish with it. There is a fresh minty smell when you're finished, though.

Yes... And the idea of cavity-free Esterbrooks is certainly appealing!

[6of1]

I've used toothpaste for polishing scratches out of CDs. It works, but it's difficult to get a proper clear finish with it. There is a fresh minty smell when you're finished, though.

A paste of baking (bicarb) soda and water is fine mild abrasive as well.

[Chi Town]

Try the Tamiya fine polish compound which is good for plastic , resin and celluloid. But not working on Omas resin. I use it to polish my pens except the Omas Milord. You can find it in the plastic model shop.

I'm curious; I have an Omas MiLord also, why would you NOT use this product on the MiLord?? I'll also say that I do not have this Tamiya product either, but maybe I should look into it?

Thanks,

[john]

Try the Tamiya fine polish compound which is good for plastic , resin and celluloid. But not working on Omas resin. I use it to polish my pens except the Omas Milord. You can find it in the plastic model shop.

I'm curious; I have an Omas MiLord also, why would you NOT use this product on the MiLord?? I'll also say that I do not have this Tamiya product either, but maybe I should look into it?

Thanks,

I use the Tamiya polish compound on my Milord, but it can't be polished to high gloss with this polishing paste.

[carlos.q]

OK. It's time for a recap. If I want to polish my Esterbrook pens and can't get (or don't want to use) Simichrome, I can use:
1. Flitz
2. Novus plastic polish
3. Autosol Gold & Silver polish
4. Autosol Chrome plated plastic polish
5. V-Tech Vitasol
6. Unknown pro polish
7. Plastic polish for headlights
8. Toothpaste
9. Soft cloth
10. Belgum Alu
11. Baking soda paste
12. Tamiya polish compound
I thank you all for your ideas and recommendations. I'll let you know what I finally end up using.

[KrazyIvan]

There is another method that was shared with me specifically for Esterbrooks. It has been used on 51's and Sheaffer Imperials also. It involved sanding and is not for the faint of heart.

[carlos.q]

There is another method that was shared with me specifically for Esterbrooks. It has been used on 51's and Sheaffer Imperials also. It involved sanding and is not for the faint of heart.

Ok... That counts me out!!! Walk... away... from... the... sandpaper...

[KrazyIvan]

There is another method that was shared with me specifically for Esterbrooks. It has been used on 51's and Sheaffer Imperials also. It involved sanding and is not for the faint of heart.

Ok... That counts me out!!! Walk... away... from... the... sandpaper...

Exactly why I am not posting the instructions given to me. Don't want someone willy nilly destroying their vintage pen.

[Tony Rex]

I can't believe no one mentioned Sunshine cloth yet. It's a really fine abrasive and also works well on plastic, and not just gold and silver. Good for micro scratches, and no mess either. I had used it to remove tool marks on a nib after working my way up with micro mesh. So it can also take out gold plating if you're not careful.

Aussies can fine them at Bevilles jeweler by the name of WKM silver and gold polishing cloth.

Tony

PS: willy nilly Billy deserves an XXXF instructions
9150728614_0c072db945_m.jpg

[john]

There is another method that was shared with me specifically for Esterbrooks. It has been used on 51's and Sheaffer Imperials also. It involved sanding and is not for the faint of heart.

sandingI used this method on my Parker vacumatic......it's great.