[Guest]

What were the original stain colors used on the Philco 46-480? What modern approximations are available?

[Ron Ramirez]

Hi

The original finish used tinted lacquers to achieve the desired colors instead of stain.

Medium Walnut would be a good match for the overall color of the cabinet, with a light coat of extra dark walnut for the foot. If memory serves, I believe the insets of the grille bars used photofinish, as did the center "bar" surrounding the cabinet, and the upper left and right panels. The wood bezel surrounding the dial definitely used photofinish.

If you've stripped your cabinet, then the photofinish is gone forever. You can use the Stewart Schooley method to replicate it, or just use toning lacquer to make it look decent.