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I posted awhile back about my VV 4-3 that had a demolished finish. It was flaking and scratched all over. I tried every trick to keep the original finish but with no luck. Today I used lacquer thinner and some rags to strip the old finish....the wood looks great and retained much of the color variations. Would I just relacquer with one that is lightly tinted? Is there a better option I want this piece to look nice and close to accurate but it is the one that will be on my porch in the good months.

The mahogany HMV Model 156, which closely resembles the VV4-3, would originally have been sprayed with a cellulose finish.

If you are going for a tinted finish, please remember that you can always darken it but you cannot easily lighten it. Test an inconspicuous area before you commit yourself.

I actually like the look of it now and considered just clearing it but the finish was definitely darker I really don't think there is another way than to tint it.

What I use to use is a great forumla called 50/50% used it for many yearsI used 2 parts of this combo 50% linseed Oil and 50 % turpentine mix really well rubb it into the wood or brush this will bring out the best in the wood then i would use a clear schallac.
hopw this helps

Yep, what you describe is the classic "oiled" finish (as in "oiled walnut," for example). Use boiled linseed oil, not raw. I've fed the finish on my walnut KLH speaker enclosures with this mix, and it works great.

Henry wrote:Yep, what you describe is the classic "oiled" finish (as in "oiled walnut," for example). Use boiled linseed oil, not raw. I've fed the finish on my walnut KLH speaker enclosures with this mix, and it works great.

I just wanted to add a word of caution when using linseed oil for those not experienced in handling it... ANYONE using LINSEED OIL Soaked Rags should either burn rags immediately following use or store in a metal container with a lid soaking in water. Spontaneous combustion is a very real possibility when using drying oils, so please exercise the proper precaution when handling (especially cotton fiber) rags that have been saturated in linseed.

That is a good reminder Tinkerbell. Thanks. I have never worked with linseed oil.

Tinkerbell wrote:

Henry wrote:Yep, what you describe is the classic "oiled" finish (as in "oiled walnut," for example). Use boiled linseed oil, not raw. I've fed the finish on my walnut KLH speaker enclosures with this mix, and it works great.

I just wanted to add a word of caution when using linseed oil for those not experienced in handling it... ANYONE using LINSEED OIL Soaked Rags should either burn rags immediately following use or store in a metal container with a lid soaking in water. Spontaneous combustion is a very real possibility when using drying oils, so please exercise the proper precaution when handling (especially cotton fiber) rags that have been saturated in linseed.

Thanks Tinkerbell I use to use this many years ago this is how i remember after we used this we use to toss it all in the dumpster but that was 30 some odd years ago LOL