The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello from a newbie on this forum as well as to phonograph restoration. I am restoring an Edison Model B. I've read a lot about bedplate refinishing, but still am pretty unsure of myself. I am anticipating using asphaltum paint. Is this what I should use? Can I spray this? Do I need a coat of shellac over it? Thanks in advance for the advice. - Jim

Hey Jim. I'm not a restoration expert like many others on the board, but I do have some experience in repainting bed plates. Asphaltum was originally used for the bed plates, and while it is nice to use the original material, it its very expensive and difficult to use, as it needs to be baked in order to set. The true depth and look of the original comes from the layers of shellac applied as top coats, which is why using enamel spray paint with shellac still achieves the same effect. I would prime the bed plate and wet sand it before spraying the enamel. It is very easy to create drips or blotches with enamel, so be sure to spray very evenly. Let it dry for over a week, then apply a few layers of amber and clear shellac with the decals under the last few layers.

Sorry if that is too much info at once, it may be overwhelming, but the only way to learn is to try. Make sure that repainting is truly necessary before actually doing it, there are many ways of improving without re-doing. If you have any questions about specifics, just ask, we'll be more than happy to help you with you're project.

Martin

That's great to hear! I was not looking forward to the asphaltum. Thanks for the help!