09-07-2013, 07:09 PM
Catalin and Bakelite are both based on the same Phenol-Formaldehyde resin and chemical process. The difference is that Bakelite contains a large amount of filler material like wood flour, (fine sawdust), carbon black, or asbestos, while Catalin is just pure resin with added coloring. Thats why Bakelite is opaque while Catalin is translucent.
A lot of the colored items referred to as "Bakelite" like 1930's jewelry, tableware handles, etc. are actually made of Catalin.
A lot of the colored items referred to as "Bakelite" like 1930's jewelry, tableware handles, etc. are actually made of Catalin.
