Bakelite polishing

Yes,I have used Brasso with good results. Just takes some rubbing. If I want the bakelite cabinet as original as possible I use Brasso first then polishing compound and finish off with wax. takes a lot of work. If it's a common radio and not too concerned with originality I clean it well with soapy water, lightly wet sand with 1200 and spray it with Duplicolor clear from a rattle can as Timaay suggested a few posts back. Works fantastic with minimal elbow grease. The clear really darkens up the brown bakelite and makes it look new. Plus will not dull after time.

I've used it successfully, with work, on antique plastic, and, bakelite telephone cases.
It's work, but, it gets dirt, and, scratches out. Looks like new.
Bill Cahill

Seems Brasso does not work as well as it used to. Then ew bottle I got just doesn't work well. Jimz

They have weakenned the formula. There had been someone on ebay selling brand new older cans of it from Canada.
He may still be selling them.
Bill Cahill

The clear coat for autos that was mentioned was it the rattle can type? I was wondering has anyone tried polishing one like they do autos? Start with a 600 grit then moving up to 1000 to 2000 grit then polishing with a buffer? I may have to try thhat on a bad case just to see.

Hmmm. That may be over doing it, but, then, again....
I know on antique plastic telephones I have success removing scratches with brass polish, 4 0 steel wool, and, alot of elbow grease.
Final several polishes are with a very soft cloth.
Bill Cahill

Yes, Willy3586, the best clear I have used is Duplicolor in a rattle can. You can get it at auto parts stores and it ain't cheap. I sand first using 1200 to 2000 grit. I also use the Duplicolor to paint plastic 50's cabinets. Spray the color, then clear it. After a few days, wet sand with 2000 and hand rub with compound.
Something else I have tried lately is Mother's Mag & Alum polish. This is amazing stuff. Works good on bakelite and also on any metals or plastic. I've even used it on clear plastic dial covers to get scratches out.