[Jamie]

   

To further emphasize the final finish we are after, here is a photo of the radio when it was new. I got this from the Radio Museum. Any time you are going to refinish a radio, go there and see if they have a photo of it. It's a great reference and will help you choose the correct colors of toner, stain, whatever.... Heck, you can paint it pink if you want, it's your radio. I prefer to stay as original as possible. But it's up to you! That's the best thing about restoring radios. It's your radio!

..now, back on topic.. toner ..

I use Mohawk toners only. You will see they make two different products -

Ultra Classic Toner, which is what we will be using.
Tone Finish Toner.... which won't be needed on this radio.

Ultra Classic is pure toner. It is like a tint. It is almost clear, but adds a touch of color to the wood. The grain is easily visible. Good stuff! Exactly the same product used back in the 30's and 40's.

Tone Finish Toner is for hiding mistakes or repairs. It also colors the wood, but it isn't quite as clear. It's perfect for hiding veneer repairs, or cracks that have been filled with wood filler. If this radio needed veneer repairs, I would spray Tone Finish toner on those spots in an attempt to hide them a little. The stuff is murky looking, so you have to use it sparingly. Just be sure to order the right stuff for the job, okay?

Once more, do not be intimidated... Toner is just like spray paint. If you can spray paint, you can easily spray toner.

..continued...