[R-390] R390-A Paint Formula

[triodes at optonline.net]

Jerry,

The correct color code for the R-390A front panel (and the CY-979A cabinet) is per U.S. Federal Standard FED-STD-595A, color code 26152, Semi-Gloss Gray, per specification TTE-529, Class B Oven Dry.

If you give this information to the Sherwin-Williams industrial paint supplier (or any other paint manufacturer that can mix paint to the FED-STD-595 colors), they can mix it to the exact color. I used this color code to repaint the CY-979A cabinets that I had restored several years ago.

There is always some subtle range in color variation, even among the 26152 color code, due to very slight paint formulation differences between manufacturers, etc. This was true over the period when the R-390A and the CY-979A were in production, and is still true to this day when using current-production paint.

I always use oven-dry enamel paint for these projects, which is the same type of paint that was used when this equipment was originally in production. The later formulations are of air-dry urethane to comply with the EPA and OSHA regulations, and from what I have seen, I think they can be a bit too glossy and definately have too much orange peel when dry, when compared to oven-dry enamel. Of course, to a large extent, the minimization in orange peel in the finish is a function of the skill of the painter, and the quality of the spray gun and related equipment he is using to apply the finish, not to mention the humidity when the paint is applied, etc., but oven-dry enamel is still the best for the least orange-peel finish.

Note that I never used Sherwin-Williams paint for any of my restoration projects, but my guess is it will work out just fine. They are a quality supplier. Just be sure to specify oven-bake enamel for the material.

73,

Bruce, W2XR

----- Original Message -----
From: Ray 
Date: Saturday, December 4, 2010 12:36 pm
Subject: Re: [R-390] R390-A Paint Formula
To: Jerry Stern , 'R-390-List' , boatanchors at mailman.qth.net

> 
> I don't have the formula, but have 2 gallons of St. James Gray. 
> Is this the 
> color scheme for the R-390A and associated cabinet? I don't 
> have the 
> CY-917 which I assume is an official collins type cabinet. 
> What I do have 
> are some cabinets that fit the R-390A and have a flip top that 
> is louvered 
> as well as louvers on the back. The back has a section that 
> only goes 
> 2/3rds of the way down and an area without metal to allow access 
> to the 
> terminal board of the R-390A and will also fit my R-390, R-389 
> and 75A4 I 
> assume. I have not measured the others as some have realllllly 
> detiorated 
> and need lots of reworking. I plan to paint these all St. 
> James Gray, and 
> any Radio that I refill the engraved lettering. Now if I could 
> only engrave 
> those front panels that look like silk screening. Any comments 
> on paint 
> cabinets will be appreciated. Yes, I know, the cabinets are not 
> the actual 
> original ones, but I am not a purist and the radios will not 
> mind if they 
> wear a different "coat". I after all, just moved to Illinois 
> from Hawaii, 
> and I am wearing a different coat.
> 
> Ray
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> I know there were many variations but does anyone have a Sherman 
> WilliamsPaint formula for the R-390A panel gray color or for 
> the CY-917 cabinet?
> 
> 
> 
> 73 Jerry
> 
> K1JOS
> 
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