Simichrome substitute?

[carlos.q]

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?

[jbb]

Good question that I'd like to know the answer too as well.

[MisterBoll]

Is this it? http://www.simichromepolish.com/

[Farmboy]

I believe semichrome is alumina dispersed as an emulsion in a hydrocarbon carrier. Likely there are also flow agents in the mix. Just check the ingredients to find something similar.

[6of1]

Flitz.

[Jon Szanto]

If you can find Flitz, that's a good solution too (though Simi has really passed the test with a lot of pens). But since you mention Esties, there isn't a whole lot of metal trim on them. If you are thinking primarily about the body of the pen, I really like the 3-step polish set from Novus. You can do your own search, but here is what I got on Amazon:

Novus Plastic Polish Kit

[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.

[kirchh]

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

[carlos.q]

Is this it? http://www.simichromepolish.com/

Yes, but I can't get it locally.

[Paul-H]

Hi

Anyone ever tried Autosol Gold & Silver Polish on their pens. or their Chrome Plated Plastic Polish


Paul

[carlos.q]

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...

[dduran]

If you can find Flitz, that's a good solution too (though Simi has really passed the test with a lot of pens). But since you mention Esties, there isn't a whole lot of metal trim on them. If you are thinking primarily about the body of the pen, I really like the 3-step polish set from Novus. You can do your own search, but here is what I got on Amazon:

Novus Plastic Polish Kit

Very effective even for gold-plated parts, not as aggressive as polishing cloth. Though might leave a dull finish depending on the cloth/surface. I usually top the gold plated parts off with a very light application of polishing cloth (lighter than compared to cloth only)

[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.
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[john]

Hi

Anyone ever tried Autosol Gold & Silver Polish on their pens. or their Chrome Plated Plastic Polish


Paul

Don't use it, it's too core for the plastic. If you want to remove the slight scratch, it will be fine.

[Jon Szanto]

I listen carefully to all the recommendations I've heard over the past couple of years, especially those from the very respected pen restoration people. And even then, when I want to do a little work on one of my pens, I invoke the directive Primum non nocere. Use the least amount of intervention to bring the pen to it's best appearance!

[kirchh]

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

[kirchh]

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.
$(KGrHqV,!lEFBK9wqbPOBQk!rs8,!g~~60_35.JPG

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

[carlos.q]

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

Ok... But then I return to my original question: Is there a substitute? Or better yet: is there something that is safer and works better than Simichrome for polishing pens?

[Jon Szanto]

Well, I'm a pro, and I don't use it, and I don't recommend it.

And therein lies the crux of the problem for those of us out here, Daniel: this is your recommendation, and we know that other professionals use it and suggest it's use as well. By seeing your caveat in place, it can make us non-pros aware of the pitfalls, but at the end of the day, there doesn't seem to be a consensus.

Of all the products I use on my pens, I use more caution than anything else.

[dduran]

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

Ok... But then I return to my original question: Is there a substitute? Or better yet: is there something that is safer and works better than Simichrome for polishing pens?

Take a look at Novus, but as usual, technique also matters.. slow is fast