Invented in 1907, Bakelite plastic was used to make a variety of objects such as kitchenware, telephones and radios. Bakelite buttons are collectible items not only because of their age, but because they often have unique patterns embossed in them. The buttons were popular in the 1930s and worn more for decoration than function. If you have a stash of buttons, sift through them to find potential Bakelite buttons then try a few tests to identify true Bakelite buttons.
Sift through your buttons to find possible Bakelite buttons. Any buttons made of wood or metal are not Bakelite. Plastic buttons with unique patterns (such as flower designs) should be pulled out as potential Bakelites. Buttons in the shape of a flower or with a marbleized center are also candidates.
Rub a button between your fingers or clasp it until it feels warm. You can also drop several buttons in a cup of hot (hand hot, not boiling) water to warm them. Once warm, smell the button. Bakelite was made with a formaldehyde resin and will give off a formaldehyde smell when warm. Formaldehyde is used in science classes to preserve specimens, so try to remember what your high school biology class smelled like.
Dampen one end of a cotton swab with the liquid household cleaner. Touch the damp swab to the back of the button (be sure it is touching a plastic part if the button has other decorations on it). Look at the end of the swab. If it turned yellow, the button is made of Bakelite. If not, the button is another type of plastic.
Tap two buttons together that you think are Bakelite. Unlike other plastics that make a "tink" sound, the Bakelite pieces will make a "clunk" sound.
Things You'll Need:
- Buttons
- Hot water (optional)
- Cotton swabs
- Formula 409 or similar liquid household cleaner (not Windex or high-ammonia cleaners)
Tip
Bakelite is pronounced bay-kay-light, not bake-light. Rinse and dry your button after testing it with the household cleaner. Be sure your buttons are clean before you try the household cleaner test so you don't mistake dirt for the true yellowing caused by the cleaner.
Warnings:
- Don't warm the button in hot water if it is embedded with rhinestones. They could fall off. Red or black Bakelite may not turn the swab yellow in the cleaner test. Perform the other two tests if you don't see the color change on the swab.
References
Tips
- Bakelite is pronounced bay-kay-light, not bake-light.
- Rinse and dry your button after testing it with the household cleaner.
- Be sure your buttons are clean before you try the household cleaner test so you don't mistake dirt for the true yellowing caused by the cleaner.
Warnings
- Don't warm the button in hot water if it is embedded with rhinestones. They could fall off.
- Red or black Bakelite may not turn the swab yellow in the cleaner test. Perform the other two tests if you don't see the color change on the swab.
Writer Bio
Based in Portland, Ore., Tammie Painter has been writing garden, fitness, science and travel articles since 2008. Her articles have appeared in magazines such as "Herb Companion" and "Northwest Travel" and she is the author of six books. Painter earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from Portland State University.
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