Is polishing celluloid with a compound like Simichrome a good idea- or will it cause damage? I've used it on metal and regular moder plastics, but this is my first time on celluloid (a mechanical pencil). Can I use it on that too?

I like Tryphon's polishing compounds.... they make a few and I have had wonderful results with them...
I use the celluloid polishing compound quite a bit...

Does the Tryphoon stuff wear the material away? OldGriz, if you could elaborate on how you exactly apply it and how you execute your polishing work, I'd be thankful. I am thinking of doing this myself in the near future. Thanks!

I haven't found it wearing away material. I have used it quite extensively on my Vacumatics and the ones I repair for customers...
It leaves a nice shine. I then usually give the pen a coat of Tryphon's Carnuba wax and buff it out and it really shines...

I generally use the polish with a damp soft cloth (old tshirt material) moving the length of the pen. I then wipe off the excess with a new damp cloth and buff it a bit with a dry cloth to see if it is shiny enough... I have yet to wear down any markings on the pen this way..

On pens that have light scratches I may use one of Tryphons more agressive polishes or scratch removers... they will wear down the material as they eliminate scratches, so you need to decide what you are looking to do.... on a user grade pen this is generally not all that bad... and the pen looks a lot better.

I have had good luck using the Tryphon polishes and wax... in fact I think I have 6 different formulations in my kit... different grits, polishes and waxes depending on what I need...

Thanks Tom. I'll definitely order some of Giovanni's polish. Didn't know that it was available in different grits.

Is anyone using Simichrome in specific here on celluloid? I have a tube of the stuff around but just haven't bothered trying it yet- I was wondering what the experience of others using it is. I can get the Tryphon polish, but I'd like to see if I can use what I've already got up first. If I just plain can't then I can put an order in sooner rather than later.

You can use it, but note that it is abrasive and needs to be used carefully. Apply a little, polish, check. And BTW, if you are concerned about the imprint or trim, tape them off with scotch tape.

It's not all that aggressive - but being careful never cost anything other than a little time.

Regards,

Gerry