The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am not too knowledgeable about wood finish repairs. I have a Victor Victrola in mahogany with small flecks of dried white paint, and what looks like white tape residue, on the original finish. What product(s) and technique(s) can be used to remove the white paint flecks and tape residue without damaging the original finish? I'd appreciate any advice and expertise. Thanks.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

Yes, old phonographs seem to be paint fleck magnets. I've run into that many times. One of the first things I do after acquiring an old phonograph is clean the case with Kotton Klenser (some folks here like GoJo hand cleaner, the kind without the pumice added). That will take some of it off and it will often soften the rest so that I can very carefully scrape it off with a finger nail.

As for tape residue, get yourself some Goo Gone. Grate stuff and I have never had it damage a finish.

Clay

Mineral Spirits can also dissolve tape-gum, old paste wax, and also loosen paint splats.

As Jerry mentioned, the fingernail is a very useful "tool" - just experiment on a least-seen surface first, if posible.

Antique fans (black enamel) are also common targets for paint splatter...

I always use Naptha to disolve tape and glue residue. It is very effective.

For some reason, white paint specs are attracted to phonographs. The Kotton Kleaner recommondation is a good one. Often the paint speckles are on top of old wax and a good cleaning will take care of it.

If not, a trick I use is to take a black sharpie marker and just touch the paint speckle to color it black. Amazingly, they disappear when you do this and you will never see it again. The good news it is non-invasive and does not damage the existing finish.