Bone Pieces

I have a set of chess pieces made of bone, assumingly at least 80 years old. I have been told it is the Uhlig - Staunton model. I would like to know if and how I could clean this set to make it look even better. Any suggestions will be appreciated. What could I do and what shouldn't I do? Is there a method to safely clean the white pieces? Is there a way to improve the color of the red pieces? What kind of paint should I use?

Thank you, Chessopera!

The red is probably from something called "cochineal red", which is a natural dye made from insects. I believe you will be able to buy this on-line if you need it, although your red pieces look good as they are.

What ChessOpera says is correct, avoid any cleaning products especially bleach

Thanks. I would also like to fix the basepads. Different materials have been used for that and for some pieces it is missing. Here my problem is firstly how to remove the old basepads and secondly how to glue the new ones. 

These chessmen are very nice!!!

You may find this useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTs255j9xhA

I can't tell from your pics but I'm guessing there is baize (rather than felt) on the bases?

Thanks - good information. From earlier experience with wooden pieces I have learned to it is easier to use rounded nail scissors instead to cut the pads at the end.

Yes, I think you're right. The original pads look like baize, but some pieces have been fixed with something else, maybe felt. However, felt is too think for these rather small and light-weighted pieces.

I found this informational page:

Cleaning & Colour-Correcting Bone Sets by Alan Dewey