[Milsurplus] Panel Repainting BC-348Q

[Barry Hauser]

Hi Dave & List:

If the original finish is at all restorable/detailable, I suggest you try
that first.  If the paint is disintegrating and crumbling, that would call
for stripping and refinishing.

Presuming there are some small spots of paint loss, after gently cleaning as
much of any embedded dirt and film,  you can touch up with an artist's
brush.  Use regular semigloss black, not wrinkle paint.  First build up a
thin coat or two, then finish off the spots with a thicker dollop and
continute to work the paint with a stuff artist's brush (cut down the
bristles, if necessary) with a stippling and slight swirling motion to
replicate the wrinkle as the paint gels  up.  When each area starts to look
good enough -- stop. You can blend/flatten with a stick or rag when the
paint is dry but still a bit soft.  A somewhat rough rag helps to mold a
pattern into it.

To blend things in further and preserve the panel, overspray with a
semigloss or eggshell clearcoat that's compatible with the existing paint
and detailing.  (test on an inconspicuous place first).

Your mileage may vary.  If it doesn't work out, then you can resort to a
full refinishing job.

I believe most of these have raised lettering - not sure if they're reversed
stamped from the back --  you can take a peek.  It should be fairly obvious
as the raised lettering was generally left natural aluminum showing through
with  somewhat of a brushed effect.  I suspect they used the same method you
have in mind -- paint right over the embossing and then sand the paint off
the "high spots."

I have had variable results with spray can wrinkle finishes.  Typically the
wrinkle pattern is way too large, not the fine grain of the original.  I've
read various posts suggesting that temperature is critical.  Also, it's best
not to prime and you have to build up the paint fairly quickly.  If you get
the big wrinkle look, you have to strip it off and start over.  So, might be
worth a shot at "detailing" first, with the added benefit that most of the
original '40's wartime paint will still be on the radio.

Barry


----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Faria" <Dave_Faria@hotmail.com>
To: <milsurplus@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2003 11:47 PM
Subject: [Milsurplus] Panel Repainting BC-348Q


> GE List.  I want to repaint my front panel.  It appears that the lettering
> is raised.  Is this correct??  I want to strip the panel but, I will live
> with it if the panel text would be ruined.  If the lettering is indeed
> raised I think I can block around the lettering with masking tape after
> repainting.  With the lettering blocked I was going to try sanding with
> 1000grit and a piece of flat steel as backing.  Looking for comments
anyone
> got ideas.  Also where can I find some crinkle paint??
>
> Thanks for any ideas
> Dave Faria
> _______________________________________________
> Milsurplus mailing list
> Milsurplus@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milsurplus
>