Renovating Philips G8 cabinet finish - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ekcopyephilips · 15th Jan 2007, 10:41 pm

Hi Everybody

Could anyone tell me the best method to use to remove the old finish off a Philips G8 TV from 1975?
It's a veneer on chipboard and has been stained then varnished, I think. Some of the varnish at the bottom of the cabinet has gone cloudy and it generally looks tatty.

I welcome any ideas, as I am not familiar with wood stripping or finishing techniques.

Many thanks

Mike

MALC SCOTT · 15th Jan 2007, 10:55 pm

I used an orbital sander when I refurbished a G8 cabinet. The silver painted trim on the CRT surround was very patchy on mine, so I removed it all with a Stanley knife blade. It looks much better.
Malc.

Aerodyne · 16th Jan 2007, 3:55 pm

Its worth remembering that veneer is extremely thin, so when sanding there is the ever-present danger of cutting through on corners or edges. I prefer to strip with chemical stripper (Nitromors).
-Tony

paul dawson · 16th Jan 2007, 6:37 pm

Hello Mike.
As with Tony I have found it is best to use a decent chemical stripper followed by fine grade wire wool and methylated spirit to remove any stubborn leftovers. I then use more spirit to give the case a good clean before any coating is applied.
As for the coating, do not use varnish! It is horrible nasty stuff that will leave you with a very poor finish.
The original finish will probably have been a toned lacquer and you may cheaply replicate this, by first staining the veneer (if required) and then spraying with a clear lacquer obtainable from DIY shops, etc.

Remember though, once stained there is no going back!

I personaly use a wood oil (such as antique oil) which leaves you with a fantastic smooth finish when applied correctly with a lint free cloth. It is also easily reversibly, if you do not like the end result.
I hope this may be of assistance to you.

Paul Dawson.

15th Jan 2007, 10:41 pm	#1
ekcopyephilips Hexode Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 440	Renovating Philips G8 cabinet finish Hi Everybody Could anyone tell me the best method to use to remove the old finish off a Philips G8 TV from 1975? It's a veneer on chipboard and has been stained then varnished, I think. Some of the varnish at the bottom of the cabinet has gone cloudy and it generally looks tatty. I welcome any ideas, as I am not familiar with wood stripping or finishing techniques. Many thanks Mike Attached Thumbnails

15th Jan 2007, 10:55 pm	#2
MALC SCOTT Octode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Willington, County Durham, UK. Posts: 1,499	Re: Philips G8 cabinet finish I used an orbital sander when I refurbished a G8 cabinet. The silver painted trim on the CRT surround was very patchy on mine, so I removed it all with a Stanley knife blade. It looks much better. Malc. __________________ Malc Scott

16th Jan 2007, 3:55 pm	#3
Aerodyne Octode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK. Posts: 1,698	Re: Philips G8 cabinet finish Its worth remembering that veneer is extremely thin, so when sanding there is the ever-present danger of cutting through on corners or edges. I prefer to strip with chemical stripper (Nitromors). -Tony

16th Jan 2007, 6:37 pm	#4
paul dawson Diode Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Guisborough Posts: 3	Re: Philips G8 cabinet finish Hello Mike. As with Tony I have found it is best to use a decent chemical stripper followed by fine grade wire wool and methylated spirit to remove any stubborn leftovers. I then use more spirit to give the case a good clean before any coating is applied. As for the coating, do not use varnish! It is horrible nasty stuff that will leave you with a very poor finish. The original finish will probably have been a toned lacquer and you may cheaply replicate this, by first staining the veneer (if required) and then spraying with a clear lacquer obtainable from DIY shops, etc. Remember though, once stained there is no going back! I personaly use a wood oil (such as antique oil) which leaves you with a fantastic smooth finish when applied correctly with a lint free cloth. It is also easily reversibly, if you do not like the end result. I hope this may be of assistance to you. Paul Dawson. __________________ Radio Ga Ga Last edited by paul dawson; 16th Jan 2007 at 6:55 pm.