Cabinet restoration questions / Philco 41-608 - Printable Version

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Cabinet restoration questions / Philco 41-608 - Harlan - 03-03-2008

Hi,
My first attempt so lots of questions.

I'm wondering your thoughts on using the product Howard Restor-A-Finish.
Which color choice would likely best match the original? I'm thinking that
Walnut-medium brown or possibly the Mahogony.

Do I go over the knob name decals with the product and does it remove or ruin them and would I then put new decals on and have to put some
sort of finsh over them to "seal" them on? They are quite dull at this point.

I'm not familiar with the artifical "photo finish". I think I see what areas are using this... the front surface of the speaker area which has those long
vertical wooden strips. These strips have some sort of horizontal streaks that must simulate a grain. I see this sort of look also above and below the glass dial. Are the two curved and grooved vertical strips on each side of the glass dial real wood?

What about the "inlay" (if that is the correct description) strip of wood or simulated wood, that is on each side of the cabinet about 5 inches from top? How does one handle this part when using the Restor-A-Finish?

One more thought is what is a good, safe way to clean and brighten the
plastic (bakelite?) station pushbuttons and other control knobs?

Thanks very much everyone!

Harlan

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- Ron Ramirez - 03-13-2008

Hi Harlan

I've used Howard's Restore-A-Finish before on some cabinets. For the 41-608, I believe you would need the Walnut color.

It will not harm any decals or photofinish.

There is a polish sold by Dremel, for use with a polishing wheel (white felt) Dremel attachment. Or you can try just plain toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a cloth, but this is better for cleaning prior to polishing. The Dremel polish, used with their buffing/polishing felt wheels, will make those bakelite knobs look like new.

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