Red Fireside Horn

[Phonofreak]

I have a translucent red Fireside horn and I need some info for it's care. The red paint is nearly perfect with a few flakes missing on it. Does anyone recommend a clear coating to protect the paint and decal? If there is a method, I can use that for my Victor O horn and Edison blue flowered Standard horn. Are there any old threads on this subject? I couldn't find anything in the forum.
Harvey kravitz

[JohnM]

The "paint" is really not paint, but it is a tinted lacquer known as 'jappan'. I would suggest the best treatment would be to simply wax it with a good paste wax such as Johnson's Furniture Wax. I would not use automobile grade waxes or silicone polishes because they may contain chemicals that may react adversely with the lacquer.

[martinola]

I'll second what John says with the added warning that some of the old fashioned waxes have solvents that can react with some paints. Probably not in this case, but trial in a small, not-readily-seen area is always a good idea.

Regards,
Martin

[Phonofreak]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a try.
Harvey Kravitz

[JerryVan]

Here's my take on it. Aside from a careful cleaning, I would leave it alone. It's nice today because others have not messed with it, not because it was "treated" with any sort of preservative. Basically, if it got this far without my intervention then it doesn't need me interfering in its continued preservation. Doing nothing is sometimes the best.

[Phonofreak]

Jerry,
Thank you for pointing that out to me. I was thinking of the sane thing.
Harvey Hravitz

[Valecnik]

Doing nothing is sometimes the best.

I always try to tell this to my wife re. the weekend after a hard week at work.

All kidding aside, I'd also agree that the best alternative is to leave the horn as it is.

[Phonofreak]

I've decided to leave the horn alone. It survived all these years with a few minor scratches. As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Happy New Year to all,
Harvey Kravitz

[MicaMonster]

Harvey,

It is true, that traditional furniture waxes have SOLVENTS in them, which peel away decal inks and some of the original finish.

I've used a product called OZ CREAM POLISH on bedplates and metal horns. It does NOT remove ANYTHING, and it is gentle, and requires little to no buffing other than wiping off any excess. It is manufactured by RPM WOOD FINISHES.

Its also good for lacquered phono cabinets, metal parts, and just about anything that needs a little subtle kick of shine-ola.

And it doesn't leave that disgusting haze that wax does.

There. The secret's out.

[PabloMajid]

Most red Fireside or Gem horns have less-than-good remaining paint