Sobell type 516; cabinet finish.

[ekcopyephilips]

Hello everyone

My neighbour upon hearing about my interest in vintage electronics delved into his garage and kindly gave me the above set. Luckily its also never been touched or 'modified' in any way. Hence the extremly dangerous rubber mains cable (whats left of it).
The case is made of bakerlite and has a french polish effect paint on top, that is now peeling off the bakerlite case. How can i achieve a similar effect, as all the finish is going to have to be stripped back. Also what type of paint should i use ? Im guessing i use a base coat then apply a top coat, then brush over to make the polish effect. What do you all think ?

Mike Burton

[chipp1968]

Thats a nice set .
you could strip and just polish it as brown bakalite ,that may be the best option.
it looks simlar to a large sobel set ,which i think is wooden

[Nickthedentist]

I'd do the same, i.e. just strip it and see what it looks like, and if it's ok, polish it. Trying to recreate the original finish would probably end up messy.

Originally Posted by chipp1968

what make is it? it looks simlar to a large sobel set ,which is wooden

...see the thread title and 4th pic I agree with you that it seems to have a better-known wooden brother.

Nick.

[Radio_Dave]

Originally Posted by ekcopyephilips

The case is made of bakerlite and has a french polish effect paint on top

Hi,

I'm not sure what you mean by 'French polish' effect? From your photos, it looks like it's, originally, been painted a light brown

If you can find a similar colour of aerosol paint, from Halfords etc, then I'd strip and respray it. Failing that I'd do what the other guys suggest and polish up the bakelite

David

[dave walsh]

I rather like this [bakelite] set design although the colour scheme seems dull by modern standards and why cover brown bakelite with a brown finish? I think the answer may be the post war gloom. "Scumble" brown varnish, paint finishes were a household "improvement" feature. My father used to do them. Perhaps the "french polish" effect was aimed in the same direction. I'd stick with the bakelite if it polishes up nicely. Dave

[Mike Phelan]

Originally Posted by Radio_Dave

Hi,

I'm not sure what you mean by 'French polish' effect? From your photos, it looks like it's, originally, been painted a light brown

David

Looks like that to me as well, David. Might be difficult to get whatever is on it removed without damaging the bakelite.

Originally Posted by dave walsh

[ ... ] "Scumble" brown varnish, paint finishes were a household "improvement" feature.
Dave

Scumble, in case no-one has encountered it, was, and is, used for graining; it is a matt semi-translucent paint that needed to have a varnish painted over it.
Might be a useful thing for wood cabinet restoration if done properly, but definitely not a good idea for bakelite!