The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm new to collecting/restoring and this forum. I'm trying to put a colored transparent finish on a newly plated horn. I'm using a 1.5-lb cut of dewaxed clear shellac mixed with KEDA alcohol dye. I've tried both applying it with a brush and wiping it on with a cloth. Even after many coats, it looks streaked and the color pools in places. Has anyone been able to get a smooth, even finish using this method? Any tips would be appreciated.

What type of color are you referring to? Are you trying to achieve a translucent blue or red, etc. finish over nickel plating like on early morning glory horns?

I think the only way you could get an even colour would be to apply it using a good quality spray painting unit. And each coat would need to be very light and the finish built up gradually.
The same would be true for lacquer but I think lacquer will probably give better results and be easier to use.

If you are attempting to duplicate the translucent finish on a morning glory horn, this might work, although I haven't tried it...
https://www.duplicolor.com/product/meta ... ive-paint/
This is made to go over bare, shiny metal or a shiny metallic base coat:
"Dupli-Color® Metalcast® Anodized Automotive Paint turns ordinary chrome pieces into a bright, transparent-colored metallic finish in an easy one-step process. Metalcast is a durable enamel finish that is oil, gas, and heat resistant up to 500°F intermittently, making it ideal for interior, exterior, and high-heat applications under the hood. Specially formulated to work over properly prepared shiny, bare metal, and faux chrome-like surfaces."

Curt A wrote:What type of color are you referring to? Are you trying to achieve a translucent blue or red, etc. finish over nickel plating like on early morning glory horns?

Essentially, yes. I'm trying to get a transparent blue finish over a fresh tin plate. I've considered getting a sprayer but didn't want to invest in one unless I knew it would give the result I'm looking for.

I would try the Duplicolor option, but test it on some bare metal first. I have seen this in auto parts stores and it appears to give the effect you are looking for in a spray can, so no paint sprayer is necessary. Dyed clear lacquer might work as well, but it would need to be sprayed on...

Chapman1883 wrote:

Curt A wrote:What type of color are you referring to? Are you trying to achieve a translucent blue or red, etc. finish over nickel plating like on early morning glory horns?

Essentially, yes. I'm trying to get a transparent blue finish over a fresh tin plate. I've considered getting a sprayer but didn't want to invest in one unless I knew it would give the result I'm looking for.

As is mentioned above, the Dupli-Color Metalcast line work really good, I've done 2 blue and 2 red and my clients love them. Pictures make them look darker than they actually are.

I love those horns... I knew the DupliColor would work well...

Curt A wrote:I love those horns... I knew the DupliColor would work well...

I did my first red about a year and a half ago and found the Dupli-Color, then did 2 blue's, am lucky enough to have an artist to hand-paint the flowers and am about to do a blue with roses, can't wait to see it when she's done!

RSStone wrote:

Curt A wrote:I love those horns... I knew the DupliColor would work well...

I did my first red about a year and a half ago and found the Dupli-Color, then did 2 blue's, am lucky enough to have an artist to hand-paint the flowers and am about to do a blue with roses, can't wait to see it when she's done!

blue finished.mp4

WOW... I Haven't seen that great of a re-paint job since the Smith's were doing it years ago... Post pics of the rose horn when it's finished...

What did you use to do the gold striping? Is it freehand or taped, or what? It looks great...