[madghost]

Hello all, well I have restored the chassis of my Philco Radiobar to working condition. I was pleased with the results and couldn't have done it without Ron's coil winding service. Now it's time for the cabinet. I am going to have to strip the radio bar becuase someone applied very dark finish overtop of the original. What is the color scheme I should use? Also, I have noticed that the colors to use must be matched with brand name materials. For this project I plan to use Mohawk products.

Can anyone help?

Thanks much, MG

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi

Can you post a photo of your Radiobar as it is now?

Most of these I have seen were Medium Walnut overall, but there were a few variants from that color scheme.

[madghost]

Hello all, I have tried to post some pictures, but I can't find access to a server as is required. Is it possible for me to send someone the pictures as an attachment on a regular PM and then somebody who knows what they are doing post them on the forum?
Any takers? Thanks much in advance.
SF/MG

[BDM]

Send them my way and I'll get them posted.

[madghost]

Thanks to BDM I am able to post the pics of the Radiobar here. Any thoughts as to proper color scheme ? I am looking for the best estimate in tone shade and brand. For example: Mohawk Dark Walnut or Behlen Walnut . The Phorums insight is very much appreciated in advance. MG

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0776.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0777.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0778.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0785.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0787.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0788.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0790.JPG]

[Image: http://www.1970gtx.net/100_0775.JPG]

(edited by site admin to show photos)

[madghost]

OOps, guess not. I will have to try again.

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi Keith

One of the advantages of being the administrator of this site...I can edit anyone's posts. :-) (However, let it be known that I do NOT edit posts 99% of the time...I will only edit when I feel it is necessary to assist with photos or links, as above.)

The finish of your Radiobar cabinet has clearly darkened with age, and if left alone, may begin taking on a greenish tint in years to come.

But you aren't going to let that happen.

I suggest stripping and then using Mohawk Medium Walnut overall. It appears also, that the white wood trim immediately surrounding the control panel and grille is darker, and should be Perfect Brown, Maison Brown, or Extra Dark Walnut.

One man's opinion...YMMV.

[madghost]

Ron, thanks much for your insight and for helping out with the editing and making the pictures work for me.
Would Frombey's refinisher be the best to use? I have used this before and it doesn't seem to tbe as harsh as some of the other aggressive strippers out there.
I have a new air compressor and sprayer I got for Christmas. I was going to use the equipment on this as I have not been fully satisifed with the results I get from spray bombs on consoles. So, I will purchase the toner tint/dye or whatever to mix with the lacquer. When adding to lacquer, any ideas as to what is the best clear lacquer product? I know Deft sells cans of it at Home Depot, but it is the kind you use to apply with a brush and specifically says not to use for spraying. The trim you mentioned is an easy do on the other hand with a spray bomb.
Thanks in advance, SF/MG

[etech]

Hi,

I am not an expert in cabinet refinishing, so take this advice for what it's worth, lol! That said, I use Formby's here also, for the same reason. It seems to be much more gentle on the veneer. I use a compressor and auto touch up gun to do my spraying. I use Deft Gloss brushing lacquer available at places like Home Depot and Walmart. It works very well in the spray gun. I find about a 50/50 mix of the lacquer and lacquer thinner gives the best results for my set-up. Be sure to work outside and use a respirator approved for lacquer. I use a 3M 6000 series respirator I purchased at Home Depot for my work.

I still use the Mohawk aerosol spray cans to do the toning. I do the toning first and then spray the lacquer with my compressor set-up. I find that it is best to spray a couple lighter coats. I wait about 1/2 hour between coats. Then, continue with two more heavy wet coats and evaluate the job. I find the lacquer dries so fast that it is easy to get overspray, if you are not careful. Sometimes it is better to mask the radio and only do one or two sides at a time to avoid this, especially on the larger consoles.

If you haven't worked with it before, I would start out with some smaller and less critical radios or furniture. Once your skill level improves, then tackle the bigger jobs like the radio bar. It just takes some practice to get a feel for it. I hope this helps.

Regards,

Ed

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi Keith

Sorry for this late reply...

Cabinet refinisher Barry Jones usually uses Citri-Strip to strip his cabinets. I tried it...and being an impatient sort...usually end up using rubber gloves and 0000 steel wool soaked in straight acetone. Acetone will strip anything...and will eat through the gloves in time. Be VERY careful with this stuff, it is highly toxic.

I have used Formby's in the past, but I wasn't really satisfied with it.

Otherwise I concur with everything Ed wrote above.