[davemc]

   
I wish to paint the black edge of this escutcheon used on many Philco radios. It appears to be flat black. Will normal Home Depot flat black enamel work? Thanks!

[NostalgiaRadioTime]

You may want to use a satin finish black or even gloss black. Flat may be too dull. It definitely had some sheen to it on all the examples I've seen. Just mask off the gold area you don't want black and shoot it with a coat of primer first so the paint adheres better more evenly.

[Ron Ramirez]

It was not black originally.

Mohawk Extra Dark Walnut toning lacquer would be good to use here.

[radiorich]

Hello Dave,
I agree with Ron is not black!
Ron, I did not know you use Mohawk Extra Dark Walnut toning lacquer on metal?

Sincerely Richard

[Ron Ramirez]

Richard

Oh, sure. I've used it on older Philco escutcheons to replicate the patina which is lost when someone polishes a brass 70 or 90 escutcheon to a bright shine (incorrect). It is just the right shade of brown for the purpose.

[NostalgiaRadioTime]

Guess I messed several of these 1937-38 escutcheons up then over the years because I always painted them black. Oh well...

[radiorich]

hello Ron,
I will have to remember that trick !
Sincerely Richard

[Arran]

I painted the escutcheon on a Philco 120 black several years ago, used gloss black alkyd enamel, someone polished up the brass which always looked wrong. I'm not sure that it was correct but many mid 1930s Philcos had black Bakelite escutcheons, and any photos I could find of 1936 Philco escutcheons looked black to me, though it could have been extra dark walnut. Now on the 1937 and 38 models with a teledial, those were definitely top coated with a tinted finish as they have a design on flat brass, early Philco escutcheons were chemically treated I think, they look like bronze to me.
Regards
Arran