04-20-2014, 01:28 PM
Hi, a newbie first timer here…
I'm restoring my 41-256T and want it as close to original as possible. When new, were these finished in gloss or semi-gloss. Any other work I do is satin, but I’m assuming satin was not in vogue in the 1940's. I plan to spray Deft lacquer from a can, although I do have an HVLP rig. I found the finishing regimen as published by Philco in 1951 on another site and plan to follow that to the letter.
Also, on color, what shade of walnut as original. With some experimenting on scrap walnut that matched the stripped tone of my cabinet, Zar Early American seems a good match, but have not actually applied any yet. I want a light walnut with just a hint of red or orange.
What’s the recommendation on the edges (solids) and feet? Were these the exact same color as the panels or darker? I expect problems with the edges taking the stain uniformly and since I can’t tone the lacquer from a can, will have to resort to other measures with oil stain or perhaps universal tints. I know how to achieve localized toning by feathering oil stain to achieve results similar to tinting the spray in a small area. I tried the Behlen lacquer toner in cans and it was a disaster. It’s toned way too dark and is almost like brown paint unless you mist on the thinnest of coats then stop.
On the brass strip, I read another post about Brasso and will try that, but why not just burnish it with 600 or finer grit emery paper and paint thinner? Looking at the back of the escutcheon where it’s bent around, it looks like the original finish was a finely brushed finish.
See photos.
Thanks for any advice!
Do the edges and feet need special treatment?
I'm restoring my 41-256T and want it as close to original as possible. When new, were these finished in gloss or semi-gloss. Any other work I do is satin, but I’m assuming satin was not in vogue in the 1940's. I plan to spray Deft lacquer from a can, although I do have an HVLP rig. I found the finishing regimen as published by Philco in 1951 on another site and plan to follow that to the letter.
Also, on color, what shade of walnut as original. With some experimenting on scrap walnut that matched the stripped tone of my cabinet, Zar Early American seems a good match, but have not actually applied any yet. I want a light walnut with just a hint of red or orange.
What’s the recommendation on the edges (solids) and feet? Were these the exact same color as the panels or darker? I expect problems with the edges taking the stain uniformly and since I can’t tone the lacquer from a can, will have to resort to other measures with oil stain or perhaps universal tints. I know how to achieve localized toning by feathering oil stain to achieve results similar to tinting the spray in a small area. I tried the Behlen lacquer toner in cans and it was a disaster. It’s toned way too dark and is almost like brown paint unless you mist on the thinnest of coats then stop.
On the brass strip, I read another post about Brasso and will try that, but why not just burnish it with 600 or finer grit emery paper and paint thinner? Looking at the back of the escutcheon where it’s bent around, it looks like the original finish was a finely brushed finish.
See photos.
Thanks for any advice!
Do the edges and feet need special treatment?
