08-26-2009, 02:12 PM
Hi Ed,
The finish on these cabinets is toner lacquer topped with clear lacquer and then rubbed down. If you want an original finish -- and to hold the value of the radio -- you shouldn't ever use polyurethane on them. Also, Restor-A-Finish works great if you have light scratches or flaking of the finish, but not if the finish is deeply scratched or worn through to bare wood. R-A-F actually reflows the original finish to fill in these light wear spots, but has its limits. You can't spray lacquer (or use Poly for non-radio projects) over R-A-F. It will peal off like an onion.
If you can post or send me a pic of your radio, I'll be happy to give you some specific advice. Depending on the size of the spots on the front and top, with care - you can selectively match them up and finish with the toner lacquer followed by clear -- but it takes care and patience. Or, and if substantial in size at all, I would mask off the sides and refinish the top and front. You can use the spray toner lacquer to build up and match the color, then clear lacquer everything to achieve a consistent finish. From the picture of a 38-116xx in the Gallery section here, it appears the toner lacquer color would be Medium Brown Walnut.
If you're not stripping and refinishing the entire cabinet, I would not advise spot treating with the oil. you'll never match the color or existing finish of the original sections.
Joe
The finish on these cabinets is toner lacquer topped with clear lacquer and then rubbed down. If you want an original finish -- and to hold the value of the radio -- you shouldn't ever use polyurethane on them. Also, Restor-A-Finish works great if you have light scratches or flaking of the finish, but not if the finish is deeply scratched or worn through to bare wood. R-A-F actually reflows the original finish to fill in these light wear spots, but has its limits. You can't spray lacquer (or use Poly for non-radio projects) over R-A-F. It will peal off like an onion.
If you can post or send me a pic of your radio, I'll be happy to give you some specific advice. Depending on the size of the spots on the front and top, with care - you can selectively match them up and finish with the toner lacquer followed by clear -- but it takes care and patience. Or, and if substantial in size at all, I would mask off the sides and refinish the top and front. You can use the spray toner lacquer to build up and match the color, then clear lacquer everything to achieve a consistent finish. From the picture of a 38-116xx in the Gallery section here, it appears the toner lacquer color would be Medium Brown Walnut.
If you're not stripping and refinishing the entire cabinet, I would not advise spot treating with the oil. you'll never match the color or existing finish of the original sections.
Joe
"Ignorance is bliss...'til you have to fix a radio..."
