The PHILCO Phorum

Are they still in business?  Parts of their website seem to be on the blink.  Over the last week, I've tried to contact them a couple of times, via email,  but no reply.  I have a 37-84 in desperate need of a new photo finish. ha
Thanks
Hoke

I think they have folded up their tent and moved on but their product is marginal at best. Depending on how much of the Philcote is missing you may be able the touch it up. If all is gone that's a problem. I don't buy sets that have been stripped removing Philcote finish. Just not worth trying to recreate the pattern.

The 37-84 is a pretty common set and the cabinet was used the 37-93 and 37-33 and maybe some others.

Thanks Terry for the info. I hate to hear that they're no longer in business. The radio in question has been painted over in black many years ago.  Really looks bad!  My daughter in laws grandparents, were the original owners. So it was pretty important to her to have it back original....so to speak.
 Thanks again,
Hoke

If it's been  painted over you might try some mild solvents to remove the paint but leave the original finish intacked. Perhaps some oms or naptha  but don't be in hurry give it some time to desolve the paint.

Unfortunately, you can see where the paint has flaked off, that the original finish was sanded off. I could try to find another cabinet with a better finish, but that would defeat the purpose of restoring the "family" radio.  At this point, think about all I can hope for is strip, restain in a couple  different shades and live with it.

Hoke

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It is a perfect time to upgrade.

OR:

https://www.russoldradios.com/blog/more-faux

OR:

https://www.russoldradios.com/blog/some-mo-re-faux
Or, you'll like this one:

https://www.russoldradios.com/blog/-fee-...-re-fauxed

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I have used Re-Faux Pro with good results. The first set of decals they sent me were a LITTLE bit off in proportion to the 37-61 cabinet I was re-doing. I sent the guy my cabinet so he could get it exact. He returned my cabinet and sent me a set of decals that were perfect. They are good people to do business with. here are some pictures :

If you want to come up w/something that is easy and will give you some contrasting colors like the original (no stripes unless you want to hand paint them in) this may be of some help. Prep the front panel cln off the paint and such lightly sand and use a few coats of sanding sealer. Grab a few plastic grocery bags wad up one, apply a little med walnut toner to it. Tamp it once onto the panel. Do this a couple of times. You want to move around so you don't get an area of solid color. Next use something dark like ex dark walnut, new bag same process. It take a bit of practice not to get too much color in one area. If you do you can spray over it w/ the light toner that you are using at that time.

Thanks guys for the replies/suggestions. As per suggestions, think my only option is to do more research into creating my own faux finish. With some luck, it's got to look better than the current flaking black stuff I have now.
Hoke

I've often wondered if anyone has tried just covering a damaged photofinished panel with a sheet of veneer? Probably not feasible on certain cabinets with many curves or inlays, but for a flat panel it might be the quickest and easiest remedy. Thoughts?

Ron

I would think it could look very good if you have woodworking knack .

Paul