[Ron Ramirez]

Tonight's progress:

I decided to try something different. Previously when I have refinished cabinets, I applied the PHILCO decal before the final two coats of clear.

This time, I applied the decal before I began to spray on the clear coats.

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/37610_026.jpg]

Pardon the poor photo, sorry, too much glare from the lamp over my workbench.

The next job was to begin applying clear lacquer.

I sprayed on three coats of Deft.

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/37610_027.jpg]

Unfortunately, my camera decided to focus on the test equipment in the background rather than the radio.

Two more (and better) photos:

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/37610_028.jpg]

[Image: http://www.philcoradio.com/images/phorum/37610_029.jpg]

The cabinet is really starting to look good now, in spite of the flaws it has. The finish is nice, shiny and deep.

Speaking of flaws: I managed to get a minor run on the left edge of the large grille opening. I think I will be able to make that go away with some careful sanding, though.

I'm glad I applied the decal after toner and before clear. I think it is going to look much better this way, and I think I will do this with all cabinets I refinish henceforth.

The grain is completely filled now!

Next, I plan to wet sand with 400 or 600 grit wet/dry paper, then give it a couple more thin coats. Following that, I will wet sand again with 1000 grit wet/dry paper, spray on two thin final coats, let it cure, then rub the cabinet down with rottenstone.