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-   -   To refinish, or not to refinish... (http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=124518)

similost 09-01-2007 08:32 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave A (Post 1328055)
Whoa Nellie! It looks like it has some version of photofinish or paper-grain trim on some of the smaller width crosspieces. Both are basically wood grain decals applied over veneer. Specifically the four surrounding the dial assembly and all of the speaker crosspieces and side trim.

You can see in the photos where it has already lost some of this fake grain finish and is down to the veneer underneath. Restoring this is way above my skill level, but some web searches can give you some info if not help.

Any refinishing will evaporate them and leave you with the underlying veneer or hardwood which will not re-grain like you see right now.

Dave A
Yeh.. I realized that. I was thinking if I did refinish it, I would either go without it, or I would try and redo it using a wood grainer tool, but getting it done in all of those little grill pieces would probably be a real nightmare.. I really am kinda confused as to what I should do with this one..

Chad Hauris 09-02-2007 12:04 AM
I personally would just polish it with some Old English dark scratch cover polish...this will help hide the worn areas. We don't ever refinish anything beyond cleaning/polishing except in cases like jukebox cabinets we have painted where the finish has been totally destroyed by being left out in the rain for a long time. We have seen much much worse than this one! The "old" look doesn't bother me at all.

radio63 09-02-2007 12:48 AM
Similost,

If it were mine, I would definitely leave it alone. I would use some polish or restore-a-finish and shine it up. The top of the cabinet looks like it would respond well to restoration. The fact that it has some bits of missing photo finish would not bother me at all. I vote for you to restore the finish it has rather than refinish. When a radio like this has a few "battle scars" that's OK, it just shows that it has been through a long life but is still here. I hope you polish it up and leave the original finish. Just my opinion. Thanks!

Gilbert

similost 09-02-2007 06:52 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by radio63 (Post 1328422)
Similost,

If it were mine, I would definitely leave it alone. I would use some polish or restore-a-finish and shine it up. The top of the cabinet looks like it would respond well to restoration. The fact that it has some bits of missing photo finish would not bother me at all. I vote for you to restore the finish it has rather than refinish. When a radio like this has a few "battle scars" that's OK, it just shows that it has been through a long life but is still here. I hope you polish it up and leave the original finish. Just my opinion. Thanks!

Gilbert

Kinda the way I am leaning.. one it is less work, but two, like I believe it was you who said.. once it's gone, it's gone.. I know the restore-a-finish really did a hell of a great job on my other radio, but it didn't have near the damage this one did.. I wonder how hard it might be to actually replace or repair some of the missing finish.. I think the top for the most part will clean up.. I know the paint over-spray will come off, but the rings probably won't go away.. eh.. that's why they make doilies huh?

radio63 09-02-2007 01:38 PM
Well you might be surprised, its possible that whatever you choose to polish the cabinet up with will help conceal the rings at the top. Mybe not make them go away, but at least make them less noticeable. And yes, that's what doilies are for. :yes: But I bet it will look a lot better if it is polished and shines up. It won't be perfect, but then it does not need to be. It will be a nice original old radio. You could try spot refinishing if there are any real bad areas, but I would not think that would be necessary. Keep us posted as you go along.

Gilbert

similost 09-02-2007 01:45 PM
Already got it done.. It looks pretty damn good, but not as good as my other.. you can see them both here...

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/sho...d.php?t=124699

radio63 09-02-2007 02:57 PM
Excellent! You made the right decision. Nice looking radios!! One thing I have noticed about Howard's and that is you may have to reapply again later since it will eventually evaporate. But you can do that during your routine dusting and polishing of your radios.

Gilbert

similost 09-02-2007 03:00 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by radio63 (Post 1329202)
Excellent! You made the right decision. Nice looking radios!! One thing I have noticed about Howard's and that is you may have to reapply again later since it will eventually evaporate. But you can do that during your routine dusting and polishing of your radios.

Gilbert
I did the 39.. what.. two weeks ago I think? and it still is looking really great.. I figured if I went over them once a month with the Wax-N-Feed they sould stay really nice looking for years to come..

I can't recommend Howard's more than enough.. I've got a Sanzui Quad I need to go over with this stuff.. It already looks great, but I'm sure it will get a really deep looking finish afterwards..

Sandy G 09-02-2007 03:03 PM
WOW !! They look GREAT ! Nice goin' !!

similost 09-02-2007 03:06 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandy G (Post 1329216)
WOW !! They look GREAT ! Nice goin' !!
Thanks Sandy.. now I just can't wait to get them singing again :)


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