Dull Antique Tortoise Shell

Can anyone suggest how to get the shine and lustre back to antique Tortoise Shell?
I have tried Almond Oil and Renaissance Micro-Crystalline wax both of which are normally effective but it remains dull.

 

This is going to sound gross, but do you have a handy teenager with really greasy skin? Tortoise is a critter material, and skin oil ought to work. Straight up lanolin would be something else to try. I'm sort of guessing here, but animal oils on an animal product would seem to be a good bet.

 

I don't have a greasy teenager but the lanolin might be worth trying, I also wondered about Coconut oil.

 

It's a thought. Someone who really knows antique tortoise might know more.

 

Anything is worth a try
Its strange that the Almond Oil isn't working as its what professional restorers recommend.

 

It might require soaking it in a vat of the stuff. When I redid an old oak desk I put 15 coats of tung oil on parts of it. After that I gave up; it was good enough.

 

Yes you might be right, I keep giving it a coat and leaving it to soak in, I have a feeling it wasn't looked after so now needs lots of TLC.

 

I think it might depend on why it is dull. If the surface is rough, I'm not sure that any amount of oil will bring back the shine. If this is the case, it will probably need polishing to bring back its luster. Think of the shell as a fingernail and how buffing with a very mild abrasive can cause it to become smooth and shiny.

While I'm not sure how to do it (or if it should even be attempted by someone not experienced with the procedure), but I came across some detailed info. online while I was searching for how to steam some tortoise shell back into shape for a compact I have with a corner that curls up. If I can find where I saw how to do it again, I'll post it here for you.

 

Hi,
I had a small picture frame with a tortoise inlay. Mine was flat and dull. I tried everything for several years and then I got disgusted and painted it with glossy lacqure. It looks great now.
greg

 

That would be great if you could find it, It isn't rough, just dull.
I have thought about buffing it, I wondered about using an electric buffer like a Dremel but only as a very last resort.
Has anyone tried that or buffing of any kind?

 

Thank you, It looks beautiful when it has the oil on it but when I wipe it off its dull again, Bit puzzling as to why it doesn't retain it.

 

Tung oil might give better results. You still may need several coats. Once dry, a coat of paste wax would seal, enhance the look, and protect it further. You could just lacquer it but a lacquer coating is more prone to damage.

 

Yes from what I have read its best not to lacquer, I'll check out the Tung oil though

 

I oce asked the same question of a conservator at the British Museum. They recommended olive oil, which is what I've always used. Only a smidgen, on my finger tips, rubbed over the thing.

 

Oh thank you, I've got Olive oil in the kitchen and I wondered if I should try it, I'll give it a go tomorrow.

 

I looked up the Tung oil and while it might not be suitable for tortoishell I'm going to keep it in mind for other projects.

 

I tried the Olive oil and it seems to be improving it, I put some more on and am leaving it overnight.
I didn't think it would be any different from using the Almond oil but I think it's the better option.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone, Olive oil seems to have done the trick, It looks much better now.

 

I have a tortoiseshell cuff bracelet that belonged to my great-aunt. It's been dull since I got it, but I wear it anyway. I will try olive oil.

 

Yes do try it, It worked for me, I have given it two applications so far and leave it on overnight to let it soak in a bit, After that you can wipe it off and give it a little buffing with a soft cloth.