Clean cautiously: not all vintage materials behave like modern ones

Before using cleaners or polish, identify the material you are working on as far as possible.

Older plastics, finishes, decals, graphics and adhesives can react unpredictably to solvents or modern products. Use the least invasive method and test discreetly where appropriate.

Do not try to remove every trace of oxidation or age; you may remove original material or make the wear pattern less coherent.

If the item’s value justifies caution, stop before performing work whose effects you do not understand.