The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

If you look at the picture of the restored top lid, there is a spot of missing
varnish near the back. I used nail polish remover unfortunately. I know, heinous move.
It seemed like a good idea at the time but it ended up taking off the original varnish as well.
I tried touching it up with stain but its not matching well and still too light.
I am considering using a cotton swab to dab stain on until it comes as close to
a match as possible. Matching 90 year old mahogany is no easy task.

I think they used a very dark, (very toxic) analine dye on those red mahogany cabinets. I don't know that it's any longer available or if today's expert restorers us some alternative. Finding a stain that gives that same deep, rich color is really hard.

There are a few things you can do to achieve the result you are looking for. I know some collectors/dealers use Minwax Red Mahogany stain mixed with minwax special walnut stain to achieve the darker finish. If you decide to use the alcohol/water based powdered stains instead you may need to mix a darker stain with the red mahogany to acheive the result. Lastly, you may just want to tint your shellac a darker redder color using the powdered stain. You should try to experiment first to determine which method works best for you.

Rick

Minwax Red Mahogany is the stuff I tried to use. I will try mixing the walnut and see how that works out.
Thanks for the tips.