[murf]

I have read that Ron uses aerosol spray cans for refinishing.
I have a couple radios that need the tops refinished due to scratches.
I would like to try these.
Can anyone recommend a brand and tell me where to get this product?
Thanks
murf

[Bob Andersen]

I primarily use Deft lacquer which has a really nice adjustable fan spray nozzle. Also, gloss contains cellulose nitrate like they used back in the 30s. However, only Loews carries it in my area (Chicago).

Ace hardware only has the less volatile semi-gloss and satin. Home Depot switched from Deft to Minwax a few months back which is about 50% more expensive I have not tried it.

Menards carries Watco lacquer which costs less than the Deft, but not as good IMHO.

Good luck,
Bob

[TA Forbes]

Wal Mart sells the Minwax product. I have used it some, and it seems to flow/cover grain well. It took fewer coats to bring my Silvertone 1856 to acceptable smoothness. That includes the requisite sanding between (every 3) coats. The minwax product also has an adjustable nozzle.

HOWEVER, I still use mostly Mowhawk products, including clears. The Mohawk products do not have an adjustable nozzle, but I recently got a shipment of clear satin in that had an improved nozzle compared to what they had been using.

[Bob Andersen]

Ah, yes, I agree Mohawk products are great too, but I can only get them via mail order.

[wbaradio]

Kelly, the best approach for a radio top that just has some surface scratches in the finish is to:
1. Clean the top well using very fine steel wool with clean turpentine in a little aluminum pop pie pan. Scrub it till there is no more old wax and dirt come off in the turpentine pan. If you are doing just the top, don't let the turpentine run down the sides.
2. Let dry thoroughly lightly buff top evenly with very fine steel wool. You can substitute steel wool with a 600+/- grit sandpaper I usually use a tack cloth obtained from a furniture refinishing store or hardware store to wipe it down as this will pick up any wayward steel wool fibers and dust
3. Let dry thoroughly, then find some stain that closely matches the the color of the top. Does not have to be an exact match, but close... Minwax, Mohawk, oil or gel stains are fine. Rub the top all over with the stain. Let it sit a few minutes, then wipe off all excess with cloth. This should color in the scratches to match the rest of the finish.
4. You are now ready to spray once the cabinet is thoroughly dry! For this I use Mohawk Blush Eraser. This is a 50/50 mix of lacquer and lacquer thinner, ie. it is thinned out lacquer. Spray evenly overlapping your top. Not too heavy, only till it is just wet looking. This will "flow" the existing lacquer into the lacquer from the Blush Eraser.
5. Let dry, may look slightly hazey. The light scratches should be gone! If not you can hit again with Blush Eraser, or a can of Deft or Mohawk gloss or semi-gloss spray lacquer.
6. Rub out the lacquer finish using techniques found online.
The above technique can be applied to the whole radio to give an over all even finish.
Britt