The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I got this at an auction for $35. I want to leave the original paint as is... should I put a clear coat over it?

Any thoughts on what to do to it would be great!

David

Leave it. No clear coat.

Hi David,

That’s a lovely old horn and you got it for a song.
It looks great as is.
Congrats and enjoy,

Steven

Just clean it and enjoy it.

Any suggestions on what I should clean it with?

David

Viva-voce wrote:Hi David,
That’s a lovely old horn and you got it for a song...
Steven

No one else cared to complement you for your pun. So I will!

dzavracky wrote:Any suggestions on what I should clean it with?

David

Here is my unconventional suggestion, which is also reversible: clean it with WD-40. It will enhance the color, which has been faded over time and protect it from additional rusting. If you are skeptical, try it in an area that is not too obvious first. I have cleaned many horns with this method and absolutely no negatives... Wipe it on with a clean cloth and then wipe it off with another clean cloth.

Using other cleaners may remove the existing paint, while this method won't...

Curt A wrote:

dzavracky wrote:Any suggestions on what I should clean it with?

David

Here is my unconventional suggestion, which is also reversible: clean it with WD-40. It will enhance the color, which has been faded over time and protect it from additional rusting. If you are skeptical, try it in an area that is not too obvious first. I have cleaned many horns with this method and absolutely no negatives... Wipe it on with a clean cloth and then wipe it off with another clean cloth.

Using other cleaners may remove the existing paint, while this method won't...

Ill give this a shot over the weekend and Ill post the results.

David

Governor Flyball wrote:

Viva-voce wrote:Hi David,
That’s a lovely old horn and you got it for a song...
Steven

No one else cared to complement you for your pun. So I will!

Let me state for the record that there was no pun intended—but thanks, Governor!

Steven