Atwater Kent 35 paint

Hello folks,

I have a two AK 35 in my workshop awaiting restoration. They are in a fairly good condition.

The question I have is related to the paint these ones had.

The thing is that mine, and I think all the ones I have ever seen on internet, have the paint deteriorated and crackled.

Like this:

 

So the question is... the original paint was all solid and flat? Or did it come with some sort of crackle that with time deteriorated?

OR... is it that being a metal case, with the temprature changes, the case caused forces that eventually broke the layer of bright finish?

A couple more pics of details:

These last two, show that there is still some crackle, but without the top layer being deteriorated..

All in all, any ideas of how I should process the cabinet will be appreciated.

REGARDS!

 

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First of all: Please post your questions starting from the model ! You will find it here . Go to "Uploads and questions" and then "Forum info or question".

The Atwater Kent models very often have been painted with a so called "crinkle laquer". This paint has some benefits.

First of all small defects on the surface of a metall sheet become invisible and the design of the radio looks more interesting.

Second the paint could be dried in an oven within a short time which makes mass production much easier.

Your first picture obviously shows a deteriorated surface but the other pictures look good and may only need a little bit polishing with a wax.

It is very difficult to find somebody today who is able to do a crinkle lacquer painting. Experiments with a spray can from a do-it-yourself market are not satifying. Your first example may only need a coating with a clear lacque. Do some experiments on a small spot on the backside of the radio.

Rüdiger Walz

 

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We have this unique feature that one can post by using the model page - and then the thread sticks to the model. The same with tubes, museums, countries and manufacturers.

Please use this function - I did now move the article manually.

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Thanks a lot! These were precisely the details I was looking for.

So the idea is to try to not touch the paint, nor disturb the crackles. And worst case, leave the cracks alone, remove only lightly anything that is loose (like the top transparent laquer), and then spray to cover, while leaving the irregular veins in the paint.

And above all... never ever sand it.

PS: Sorry for posting in the talk forum. I had never posted on a model before.

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