How To Polish Or Brighten A Dulled Pelican M400 From The '80's

[eyesa]

Hi, I just bought a great little green striated M400 from the mid-1980's on the bay. Everything works perfectly and I'm very happy with my purchase. The celluloid barrel is a bit duller where its been handled and exposed than under the cap. Is it worth it to attempt to polish it in any way? And if so, what would be the best way. It has no major scratches and seems to have been carefully cared for. The original owner (the only one) suggested in his listing that it could be 'easily polished with some car polish', but I'm hesitant. No big deal, but I'd like this little beauty to be the best it can be.
Thanks in advance for your input!

Edited November 24, 2015 by eyesa

[sargetalon]

There are many opinions on both sides of this issue. You will find people that feel very strongly about what should and should not be used. Do not use car polish as you don't know what else might be in there. Could be some agent damaging to the pen. Search the forum and you will find several threads on this issue.

 

I'm no expert but, for what it's worth, I use Novus polish for my Pelikans. Some would disagree with its use but i feel comfortable enough with it and have never had any issues. I'm not endorsing it over any other, just what I use. Do your research and look for something you're comfortable with. You should be able to polish that bird up nicely. Good luck.

[jkingrph]

Personally I use Flitz. I have used it for a long time with never a problem. Like most polishes it has a mineral spirit, or petroleum base carrier. There are kits made for the polishing of plastic automotive headlights, which should be fine. I used one once and it was also petroleum based, as are most car polishes which are intended to be used on paints, which share many properties with plastics. For something non mineral spirit based, try toothpaste!

[casualmerlinconstant]

I use car wax (not polish). Right now I'm using collinite 845 which is a carnuba wax. Gives my pens a nice shine. Do be careful however, as plastic can react with the petroleum solvents used. Like sargetalon, I'm not endorsing the use of the above product, but will say I've not had problems with it yet. ( I will endorse it for use on the car though haha, works great!)

[eyesa]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I have been going through the old posts on subject, so have been doing my homework before attempting anything. (I'd rather do nothing than cause any harm.) It's only the second of my minuscule flock, but the Pelikans have a distinct character all their own, (both an expressive line quality and lovely song or feedback when writing) so I'm sure a couple more will eventually wing their way to me. Since I have smaller hands, the 400's suit well.
Thanks again for your studied comments. Much appreciated!

Edited November 25, 2015 by eyesa

[ScienceChick]

I bought the 3-Step Pen Polish sold by an FPNer and have been very pleased with it.

[Glenn Atkins]

You probably will not be able to get rid of the color variation.

 

I HAVE NOT USED THIS ON A VINTAGE PELIKAN, however I use Micro Gloss. They have a #1, a #5, and a polish.

 

Might be good. YMMV.

 

Glenn

 

http://micro-surface.com/index.php/products-by-type/micro-gloss/micro-gloss-liquid-abrasive-type-1-cleaner-polish.html

[eyesa]

Thanks Glenn and Science chick. I just purchased the 3 step Novus and will gently give it a try. I don't expect a miracle ( looking as if it were made yesterday,) but just to know it's as good as can be. It's not scratched or scuffed, just seems a little faded. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks a bunch for jumping in.

[ScienceChick]

Show us before and after pictures once you get it shined up.

[gweimer1]

I just used Micro-Gloss on my recently acquired Pelikan M200 (in black, no less), and I'm happy with it.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Novus polish...well ages ago, I tried to get some from them but they were not selling to Europe.

 

 

Semi-chrome was the big runner when I first started here.

Finger polish only, mask any writing (other pens) buff with a flannel cloth. You might have to do it a few times. The metal parts should 'brighten ' up after once....max twice....be gentle.

I never, being lazy tried to make any pen of mine brand new...though my Esterbrooks looked real good. I was satisfied with the well maintained look....others wanted 'brand new' so worked at it a bit more.

 

I buying cheap old used pens....(vintage) I often got dingy looking pens that came right to life with a bit of semi-chrome.

 

I do wax my pens....carnuba wax..I don't use the stuff...I might have to use the rest of it to wax my car. I would if I ever got across town......

Wax prevents mars...and anything that uses petroleum...should be avoided. Makes the pen shine up real nice.

 

You see the binde is on the inside of your pen if it is discolored, you can't polish that.

If it irritates you a lot, there is a guy who makes custom bende's. If it's just a bit dingy you can make it look well maintained.... or even more if you take your time and work on it. Better to do it 4-5 or more times than trying to do it in one go.

[Ron Z]

The modern Pelikans are not made of a vulnerable celluloid, so may be able to withstand some of the agents found in Flitz or Simichrome. (not Semi-chrome). I still prefer to use something that does not have chemicals or other harsh agents on a pen. Micro-gloss is made for polishing plastics.

 

Do avoid the trim if possible. The plating is relatively thin, an any polish can take it off, especially Simichrome and Flitz (which I prefer to Simichrome if I need it)

[Bo Bo Olson]

Ron,

Simichrome. (not Semi-chrome). Well close enough for horseshoes. Didn't have that anyway, but a similar Euro product.

 

There are more products available than there were 6-7 years ago.

It's good to be more up to date.

[eyesa]

Thanks for all the additional info. I will do before and after pics, just waiting on the mail for the Novus. I'm not a perfectionist, and admire beauty that comes with age and use (if careful.) I hadn't thought of polishing the inside (LOL), but have already re-greased the piston, as it had sat unused for nearly 20 years (as stated by the previous owner.) I was away for Thanksgiving so will give it its first fill today. An exciting moment. It says a lot for these little birds, that the oldies can fly as well as the new. Every time I pick up my other flock member, (a red-striated m400 from the mid-90's) I'm newly impressed by how personal and personable it is. It has its own unique personality, which changes my writing. Having written all my life, this came as a revelation. True, other fountain pens have their distinct ways of writing, and may be more beautiful, but I keep coming back to a Pelikan, because for me that Pelikan 'personality' is simply more emphatic. Mind you, I've only used the so-called 'moderns' so far.
Thanks again for all your individual input, minutiae and stories. They are all very helpful and very interesting. Thanks!
And yes, I will stay away from the trim and furniture and use as light a hand as possible.
The Novus has 3 separate components, the first of which is a kind of micro-gloss, the 2nd is a fine scratch remover and the 3rd a heavy scratch remover. Needless to say #3 won't be used and probably #2 either. Will post before & after pics...

Edited November 28, 2015 by eyesa