The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I would like to restore some of the shine to my C-19's mahogany cabinet, but the finish is finely "checkered." I'm not sure what kind of finish was used on these cabinets. I've worked with denatured alcohol and stuff like that to re-work antique finishes before, but didn't want to try anything like that until I knew more about what type of finish was used on these machines. Has anyone had luck working on these finishes without stripping the cabinet? I would like to maintain the original finish because it isn't really damaged aside from being finely checkered.

Unless it's been messed with the finish is shellac.

Edisonh19 wrote:I would like to restore some of the shine to my C-19's mahogany cabinet, but the finish is finely "checkered." I'm not sure what kind of finish was used on these cabinets. I've worked with denatured alcohol and stuff like that to re-work antique finishes before, but didn't want to try anything like that until I knew more about what type of finish was used on these machines. Has anyone had luck working on these finishes without stripping the cabinet? I would like to maintain the original finish because it isn't really damaged aside from being finely checkered.

Unless the finish is worn off, I would hesitate before refinishing the cabinet. It's only original once and many collectors will walk past refinished cabinets. Clean it with GoJo hand cleaner. Removing the dirt will reveal much of the shellac finish. Use 0000 steal wool and wipe off with a soft dry rag. Best of luck with your machine.

Thank you for the info! I take great pride in retaining original finishes on as many antiques as I can. I wasn't sure if this was a finish that I was able to use denatured alcohol on (to re-amalgamate it) or if it was something I would have to just pretty up. I have forgotten about GoJo. I may try that. As I said, the finish is largely intact with very few chips or marks. It's just very checkered up and therefore very dull. I like to use a product called Briwax. It gives a nice patina and brings back some of the depth and shine to the finish. Both my H-19 and Edison Standard have their original finishes that I have revived. I'm not a fan of refinished pieces.

Edisonh19 wrote:I would like to restore some of the shine to my C-19's mahogany cabinet, but the finish is finely "checkered." I'm not sure what kind of finish was used on these cabinets. I've worked with denatured alcohol and stuff like that to re-work antique finishes before, but didn't want to try anything like that until I knew more about what type of finish was used on these machines. Has anyone had luck working on these finishes without stripping the cabinet? I would like to maintain the original finish because it isn't really damaged aside from being finely checkered.

I restored the original finish of my Edisonic Schubert with a product called Black Wax from a company called Pacific Engineering, quite logically headquartered in--Connecticut. Alas, it seems to have gone out of business now. Be that as it may, according to the mfr., that checkering isn't the finish at all but rather is the accumulated cigarette smoke, cooking fumes, furniture polish, and general gunk of ages, which have adhered themselves over the perfectly fine original finish. Black Wax was a wax finish containing a mild abrasive (rotten stone, if I recall correctly) that removed them through application with very fine (0000) steel wool and LOTS of elbow grease. It took me months to finish the job, but I was very happy with the results. I'd look for a similar product. Good luck!

Incidentally, the Edisonic was a refreshing change of pace; most machines I've had were either already refinished or else had finishes so badly messed up by failed refinishing attempts that the original finishes weren't salvageable. (My Triumph D, for example: some genius slapped a coat of very slick polyurethane over the top of the original finish without even bothering to remove such trim as the crank escutcheon.) For mahogany cabinets, when refinishing is unavoidable, I like to apply a good gloss lacquer, which brings out the color of the wood beautifully.

Interesting about the wax. Any idea what products might be similar? I can't seem to find any other references to black wax online, aside from car waxes.

Thanks!

Edisonh19 wrote:Interesting about the wax. Any idea what products might be similar? I can't seem to find any other references to black wax online, aside from car waxes.

Thanks!

I would do the Gojo/GOOP method. (It's a waterless hand cleaner made for automotive work). Then you can see if the finish improves (which it should).

Here is my experience cleaning all of the dirt off the finish on an Edison C-250.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =7&t=22052

Edisonh19 wrote:Interesting about the wax. Any idea what products might be similar? I can't seem to find any other references to black wax online, aside from car waxes.

Thanks!

There used to be a product called "Bison Paste Wax" that came in a dark color. I think Liberon made it. I've used it on stuff I've refinished and been very happy with it. I don't know what it would be like to use it on an old crazed finish, but if you don't put it on very thick (and you shouldn't with wax anyway) it should be fine. You may need a stiff bristle paint brush to get it out of any cracks or crevices. Brass or Bronze wool is nice to use when trying to brighten up an old finish. It seems to do a better job of leaving a polish than steel wool does for whatever reason. At least it works better for me.

I have a Beethoven Edisonic phonograph with that same "alligatored", dry look to the finish. I tried putting some alcohol on the top lid, and that melted the finish so I could smooth it with a cloth. But a friend with refinishing experience said to don't use alcohol. He recommended after cleaning it with GoJo, to rub the surface with steel wool dipped in turpentine. That would wear down those tiny craters and ridges. Then when it looked good, you could apply furniture wax to the cabinet to make it look even better.

Thanks for the tips everyone. There are lots of ideas here. The furthest I've gotten is applying a bit of lemon oil to see if the finish will brighten up. It certainly gets brighter, though it is still crazed. I've used alcohol successfully on shellac finishes in the past, but one has to be very careful not to get over-zealous when scrubbing away the old finish. You can cut right through to wood rather quickly. You have to be gentle and firm (if that makes sense).