Restoration preference poll

[m0xiemama]

When doing a restoration, do you favor saving the original finish above all? I have a VV 4-3 that was pretty beat up when I got it. The lid was very gouged and one spot it looked lime some one stabbed it repeatedly with a pen. I cleaned it with Goop then used Howards restore-a-finish. The sratches are less noticible but I wonder if I should sand them out and restain....

[phonogfp]

As you say, it's just a preference.

I'll keep the original finish as long as it doesn't cross the line where I always think, "Too bad about that finish." As long as the finish is presentable, I'll keep the original. It doesn't need to be perfect. Plus, that gives the next owner the choice to refinish or not. Once you refinish, the original is gone forever.

George P.

[FloridaClay]

I like to keep things original if I can, but sometimes that is just not possible. The finish on a Credenza I bought earlier this year, discussed in an older thread, was beyond salvation—even with termite damage around the base. I am lucky, though, to have found a local craftsman who is a real artist and, working with me for guidance on things like the gloss level, did a multi-tone finish almost indistinguishable from the original.

The finish on a Diamond Disk C150 I picked up recently was also completely shot, so I am having him redo that one as well and even having corroded nickel parts replated. I don’t feel bad with doing an experiment with full-tilt restoration on this one though. It is just a common middle-of-the-road model, so not much lost to history.

I usually try to salvage old finishes first, though, even when things look bad. You just never know. A Diamond Disk A250 I bought that had set in an abandoned storage space for decades looked terrible, but cleaned up beautifully with Kotton Klenser, lemon oil/bees was polish, and elbow grease and is now my pride and joy.

Clay

[estott]

I'd keep the original finish when possible, but there are times when the finish is too far gone. I have a late 20's radio phonograph which had a lot of lacquer loss on the top- amalgamation made it look worse, removing the finish and spraying it with Deft was a major improvement and it still matches the color on the rest of the case.

[m0xiemama]

I'm trying hard to save mine. The finish is actually ok but the gouges are deep so I can't hide them. I think sanding and starting over might just be my option. I'll post pics later. It did come a long way but just not far enough.

[phonogfp]

I'm trying hard to save mine. The finish is actually ok but the gouges are deep so I can't hide them. I think sanding and starting over might just be my option. I'll post pics later. It did come a long way but just not far enough.

If the gouges are deep enough, you might be able to use filler and stain it to match. I'd hate to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

George P.

[Jerry B.]

I'd suggest using extreme caution with sand paper. You'll not only sand away original finish but also color. If the gouge is really bad, I would use George's suggestion about filling and coloring the gouge. I'm not against matching color with a dab of oil base paint to get as close as possible to the original color. Jerry Blais

[martinola]

If the gouge is really bad, I would use George's suggestion about filling and coloring the gouge.

I agree. Heck, I've even used colored crayon to hide some bad gouges in my VV210.

Martin

[David Spanovich]

A well stocked paint or hardware store sells wax filler sticks used to mask deep scratches and holes. I've used them in the past and they provide an easy fix. The sticks, like color crayons, come in a variety of colors. You simply break off a small piece, rub it gently between your fingers to soften it, and then press it into the scratch or hole. You can smooth it easily to match the surrounding finish, and once in place, the wax hardens. If you make a mistake, or it doesn't look right, you can remove it with a little lemon oil, or cleaner, and start again.

HTH,
DS

[m0xiemama]

I have seen those wax fillers. I am going to grab some today. At least if it helps with the worst ones I should be set. Thanks everyone. The Mr was suggesting sanding and it just didn't feel right.