Restoration 3

Remove old coat of paint from old sets

Venneer is very thin ( 0.5mm) and therefore you should never , if possible, grind off the colour since the venner could be seriously damaged in particular at edges and roundings. Once damaged a veneer´s repair is a very comlicated matter. There are two easier, much safer methods.

1.Strip paint, a very greasy job, satisfactory result. Clean very well with paint thinner to remove thoroughly all remainders.

2. Highly recommended and easy: Whetting with a draw blade. You´ll need a rectangular, 0.8 mm thick blade and a "Gooseneck" blade with a gauge of 0.7 mm.  and a blade sharpening tool.

     
       

Here are both draw blades

Hold the blade in both handes and bend a little. While pulling the blade colour will be removed. You should experiment with more or less pressure. The gooseneck blade is ideal removing thicker layers of color since the pressure is concentrated on a 5mm wider area. Rework with the other blace. Just remove the laquer, then finish with abrasive paper No.: 240.

After dedusting the venner can be moistened carefully with a damp sponge. After thorough drying the fibres can now be grinded with abrasive paper No. 240. A pickling with a wood-mordant in a matching colour is recommended.
Now the whole set is in the desired colour. Most of the Vintage Radio cases were painted in "Nitrozellulose" varnish. This can easily be processed, but only sprayed. Use "semi gloss", "glossy" or "vitreous" laques. If you prefer to use a brush we recommend "Acryl-" varnish. A glaze can also be used, it may be useful for newbies and will not leave strokes of the brush.

We wish you the best success.

 Thanks to Heiner Schiche  from Hamburg for his assistance.

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