Need advise on more cleaning of a Gillette Toggle Pictures

[Bobbers]

I just got this F 4 Gillette Toggle in a lot I got off of Ebay. I have only done a little cleaning with warm soapy water just enough so I could use it. I have used it 3 times and I do not know if I am completely sold on it. I bought it because my addiction is trying as many different razors as possible. The ones that make me go wow I keep and the rest I sell or pass on.
I need some advice on a more complete cleaning. I understand that the thin Gold plating is protected my lacquer. The overall condition seam great all the numbers are black and the dot is red. The top of the door is my concern; I think the discoloration is from the aged lacquer correct? Can the old lacquer be cleaned up or removed and put new on?

[bakerbarber]

Can and should.

That is the question.

I can't tell you what you should do.

You can remove the lacquer and replace it. Should you? I can't say.

If I wanted to remove the discolored lacquer, I would use isopropyl alcohol or a touch of nail polish remover on a cotton ball. I don't know if buying clear lacquer at the hardware store is the same as what the original clear coat was.

If I owned that Toggle I wouldn't mess with it. As long as it works and shaves, you should leave as much original as you can for collector value. Especially if you're on the fence about keeping it.

[Bobbers]

I have done some more cleaning with warm soapy water and have got the rest of the old soap scrum off of it. I am still not sure what to do about the finsh:huh:. Any suggestions would be great.

[alex2363]

Remove it w Lacquer thinner or Acetone or Oven Cleaner, gold is immune to acids and solvents. ...acetone to remove the old lacquer, the razor has to soak in it for a day or more to loosen it up and then it's rinsed off with water. There is no point in relacquering

[amishmotorboat]

I would avoid anything corrosive, like oven cleaner.
While the gold may withstand it, the metal underneath is susceptible to corrosion, and you never know where the plating may have been compromised.
If oven cleaner (probably sodium hydroxide [lye]) reaches the base metal, the gold above can come off and it matters not that it was immune to the chemicals.

[GreekGuy]

I would leave it. You can try cleaning it more, but if you somehow ruin the finish you are looking at the possibility of destroying the value by a significant amount of money.

That of course, is your right, but if you aren't going to keep it, I wouldn't take the risk, but thats me

[JohnnyDemonic]

As in another thread about cleaning. I suggested using straight dish washing liquid and a soft bristle toothbrush if your need it.
It's only going to shine as much as it can. Use you hands and rub it, rinse and dry.

I just cleaned up a gold Sheraton that was gunky and had some tarnish on it and it turned out great.
This gold will tarnish because it's a low carat.

BTW, nice razor.

[GreekGuy]

As in another thread about cleaning. I suggested using straight dish washing liquid and a soft bristle toothbrush if your need it.
It's only going to shine as much as it can. Use you hands and rub it, rinse and dry.

I just cleaned up a gold Sheraton that was gunky and had some tarnish on it and it turned out great.
This gold will tarnish because it's a low carat.

BTW, nice razor.

The Sheraton was not lacquered. There is a major difference in cleaning techniques for razors that were lacquered to cover up extremely thin layers of gold and the earlier, non-lacquered, thick plated gillettes

[Deltaboy]

Clean it with soap and water and Use it!

[huck1680]

Do the baking soda/water paste and polish with a very soft cloth

[malocchio]

this is a great razor,I would have no problem in having it professionally restored by a well known (to forum members) electro-plater....it will come out as new for a paltry $40

[Bobbers]

The only part that I do not like the looks of is the top of the doors. If I remove the Lacquer from the doors will the gold wear off quicker?