Painting bakealite

[jlaird]

I am sure that is spelled wrong but it is the part that goes between the steering wheel and the dash. Mounts with three screws and has a brass ring on the outside end that connects to the horm button.

I have one, good shape and quite useable but is old, dull, and tired looking. The inside shows it was a shiney black. Can I paint it, will that work?

 

[dklawson]

I don't have a comparable part on my cars. However, if this is indeed Bakelite you can paint it without issue. It's a thermoset plastic and will be impervious to most solvents in common paints.

 

[spritenut]

Yes you can paint it but sometimes they peel.
Wipe it clean with lacquer thinner or acetone and use a plastic paint. Krylon Fusion or some bumper/trim paint from any auto store.
Regular spray blck works but mine did peel after about a year. Not so with the bumper black.

 

[JamesWilson]

You could paint it, but the surface would need to be cleaned and probably roughened slightly to give a good surface for paint adhesion.

Alternatively, if it wasn't originally painted you might "restore" it:

https://www.members.aol.com/bgahc/01_jwha_bakelite.html

https://web.ukonline.co.uk/freshwater/bakelit1.htm

"restoration" sounds more sophisticated than it is: a good going over with rubbing compound or fine steel wool to smooth the surface, then treat it to a coating of black shoe polish (the good stuff) and a buffing with a soft cloth to a fine polish.

 

[jlaird]

Good stuff there, will proceed that direction without question.

Clean, sand sand sand and black shoe polish. Sounds like a great solution.

Thank you