Rubbing out a shellac bedplate

Share your phonograph repair & restoration techniques here
Post Reply
Jerry In Maine
Victor Jr
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:18 pm

Rubbing out a shellac bedplate

Post by Jerry In Maine »

Refinishing a Edison bedplate...have several coats of shellac on now and am about to rub it out with pumice followed by rottenstone. Once I'm dont what do I use to "wash" it for cleanup with as I understand that water will damage the shellac finish?

thanks for any tips!

martinola
Victor III
Posts: 952
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:30 pm

Re: Rubbing out a shellac bedplate

Post by martinola »

Jerry,

I usually follow up with a good vacuuming, using a brush attachment. I'd use a slightly damp cloth or paper towel to get the remaining stuff off, and then gently polish it dry. When I could find it, I used to use genuine Mineral Spirits (we used to call it Paint Thinner) instead of water. Here in California, they've changed the formulation on Paint Thinner, so I couldn't recommend that anymore. The slight amount of water won't hurt anything if you take it real easy. After that, when dry, I usually follow up with wax for a little extra protection. Good luck on your project!

Martin

Post Reply