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Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - Printable Version

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Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - Eric Smith - 06-15-2016

Can anyone recommend a good wood polish for Philco radio cabinets; particularly the large early cathedral sets? Thanks.

RE: Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - klondike98 - 06-15-2016

I've used Johnson's Paste Wax, just a little goes a long way. Put it on, let it dry to a haze for 15 or 20 mins and buff it off with a soft cloth.
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Fine-Wood-Paste-00203/dp/B0000DIWIM

mineral spirits will take it off if you ever have to refinish.

RE: Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - Eric Smith - 06-15-2016

(06-15-2016, 06:14 PM)klondike98 Wrote:  I've used Johnson's Paste Wax, just a little goes a long way.  Put it on, let it dry to a haze for 15 or 20 mins and buff it off with a soft cloth.
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Fine-Wood-Paste-00203/dp/B0000DIWIM

mineral spirits will take it off if you ever have to refinish.

Thanks.

E

RE: Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - OldRestorer - 06-16-2016

Do you mean just to shine the finish or to buff out the finish?
If you already have a flat smooth finish then Johnsons.
If you have a imperfect finish then use Behlen buff out kit..

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/bh10000/

Kirk

RE: Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - Eliot Ness - 06-16-2016

As mentioned the Johnson's paste wax works well.  I also like the (very similar) Minwax paste wax because they have a dark version.  While it isn't really very dark I like to think the residue won't show up as bad in cracks and crevices.

As Bob mentioned a little goes a long way so just apply a very thin coat since you'll be buffing most of it off anyway.

Before I apply a paste wax I like to go over the cabinet (if needed) with some Old English or Howard Restor-A-Finish
to hide any scratches. 

I've read very good things about Renaissance Wax (used by many museum's) but it is pretty expensive for a small container and I haven't tried any yet.

Other waxes I have used and liked are Howard's Feed-n-Wax and Briwax (dark brown color).  Briwax was reformulated to be EPA friendly so try to find a vendor on eBay who is still selling the original formula if possible.

RE: Wood polish for Philco radio cabinets - Eric Smith - 06-19-2016

I just want to buff them a bit so as to put a nice shine on the cabinets.