[ipwizard]

I've got the cabinet stripped down and grain filled on the back and face pieces evrything has been sanded with 600 then 1000 grit sandpaper. So I am ready to start with the color.

I'm not sure how to go about it should I use stain or should I use toner laquer to get the colors close to original? What colors should be used I have several Mohawk toners on hand, and some stains.

Im shooting for something like this:

http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1932b.htm#ab
Ron advised that this the also the original finish the 71B would have had.

I also like this:

[Image: http://www.antiqueradios.com/gallery/d/4...o_71_2.jpg]

[Arran]

I would use tone spray at this point, that was what they used originally. Not sure how ordinary stain of lacquer would work and would not want to experiment when you've already done this much work.
Regards
Arran

[ipwizard]

Thanks Arran.

Looking at the Philco 91 would the front center and the sides/top of the radio be colored the same or would the sides/top be darker? Cant really see from the photo in Ron's gallery.

I might try some perfect brown toner and see how that goes.

[Chuck Schwark]

Philco used toning lacquers usually. Darkness of tone depends on multiple coats.

Chuck

[Ron Ramirez]

The inset front panel is darker than the remainder of the cabinet (front arch and top/sides).

The front arch and top/sides should be Medium Walnut.

Not sure yet about the front panel. Extra Dark Walnut is too dark, Medium Dark Walnut is too light. I am not really familiar with Perfect Brown.

I need to try more of Mohawk's Ultra Classic (dye as opposed to pigment), and I hope to do so this summer.

[ipwizard]

Thanks Ron.

I'll give perfect brown a try on the face and see how it goes, if it doesn't look right ill strip it back off. I just need to come up with a plan of attack. Ill post some pictures soon.

Not sure if I have the walnut toners mentioned but there is a local company that carries the Mohawk toner line up.

[Dave]

Hey Keith. Let me know what the magic color combination turns out to be. I've got a 71 as well that's just begging for a restoration, and it's going to need a full refinish job.
Dave

[ipwizard]

Well dont know if its right but I gave it a whirl with the perfect brown toner. I did it backasswards and taped it off and toned the the center first since I had the toner on hand. This weekend ill get the walnut toner and tackle the rest of the cabinet.

Here is a couple pics:


Toner I used
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...c5c248.jpg]

Taped off before toner:
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...86dc94.jpg]


After 3 light to medium coats of toner:
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...a6d976.jpg]

Untaped:
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...0e6990.jpg]

[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...83b50a.jpg]

What say thee? I hope it turned out dark enough.

[Ron Ramirez]

I like it. Not too dark, not too light, but darker than Medium Walnut.

Thanks, Keith...now I know what to use when Extra Dark Walnut is too dark, and Medium Dark Walnut is too light. I shall have to invest in a few cans of Perfect Brown.

[ipwizard]

The inset front panel is darker than the remainder of the cabinet (front arch and top/sides).

The front arch and top/sides should be Medium Walnut.

Not sure yet about the front panel. Extra Dark Walnut is too dark, Medium Dark Walnut is too light. I am not really familiar with Perfect Brown.

I need to try more of Mohawk's Ultra Classic (dye as opposed to pigment), and I hope to do so this summer.

Ron,

Medium Walnut as in Medium Brown Walnut M100-0207? I don't see just a medium walnut on there website under the Ultra Classic toners.

[Ron Ramirez]

I can't tell you about the proper Ultra Classic color. "Medium Walnut" is a regular Tone Finish (pigment) color.

Like I said, I need to re-familiarize myself with the Ultra Classic line. I tried a can of Ultra Classic some years ago and it fish-eyed badly, so I had not used it since. Regular Tone Finish applied to the same surface did not cause any fish-eyes or any other problems.

But since I learned more about refinishing last summer, I'm ready to give Ultra Classic another chance.

[ipwizard]

Thank for the Info. I found the toner on thier site and the local supply company has it in stock so Wifey is going to pick me up a can on her way home today. I should be able to get the rest of the cabinet sprayed tonight.


I got a suggestion Ron. Would it be possible to create a database of sorts for the toners used to restore the different Philco radios to original (or as close as possible)? I know there are many opinions out there but it would be nice to be able to just go look up what toners people have used and maybe even a picture(s) of the finished product?

[Ron Ramirez]

I like the idea. I would like to be able to experiment with some of the Ultra Classic colors first, though. It is already clear to me that Medium Walnut Tone Finish will take care of a majority of Philco toning needs. I just need to determine which colors are the most suitable for the contrasting tone colors.

[ipwizard]

Well I got the 71 toned tonight. The medium walnut was spot on for the front sides, and back. The molded edges had some dark places on them so I decided to tape off the rest of the cabinet and make all the molded pieces darker. I used Maison Brown toner which is a very dark brown and goes almost black with enough coats.
I think I like it. I'm tired and it's late so I'll mess with it more tomorrow. It needs to be sanded with #0000 steel wool, and cleared yet. I'm planning on using Deft Semi-Gloss clear lacquer.

Let me know what you think. I hope it turns out good cause at this point if It's poo it'll be a complete strip and do-over.


After Medium Walnut toner was applied:
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...0aa2e7.jpg]

[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...9ed708.jpg]

[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...9142f3.jpg]

Finished:
[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...922d0b.jpg]

[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...866338.jpg]

[Image: http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m501...77f9a7.jpg]

[Ron Ramirez]

Well, Keith, I think you made excellent selections of tone colors, and that 71B looks great!

The only thing I would have done different would have been to tone the tops of the bottom trim along with the side edges. But overall, you have done a fine job, young man.

Interesting...some of those Clyde Shuler cathedral cabinets had toned edges and bottom trim, and some didn't. It seems to vary among cabinets of the same model number, not just between 1932 and 1933 models.