I have a '57 Capehart console radio/phonograph that I'm restoring. The problem is, the radio dial's plate glass back paint is badly peeling off. The dial is comprised of two thin panes of glass, the first of which has the numbers silk screened onto the back, while the second is back painted with an almost "transparent" reddish-brown color. This is the paint that is peeling off, and I'd like very much to repaint it. My questions are: What kind of paint is that? Is this something I can do myself, or is there a special application process that needs to happen? (I'm almost tempted to get some mylar gels in red and "sandwich" them between the panes to get the same color/transparency effect. Any insights/advice would be very helpful!

Thanks,
Nick

: I have a '57 Capehart console radio/phonograph that I'm restoring. The problem is, the radio dial's plate glass back paint is badly peeling off. The dial is comprised of two thin panes of glass, the first of which has the numbers silk screened onto the back, while the second is back painted with an almost "transparent" reddish-brown color. This is the paint that is peeling off, and I'd like very much to repaint it. My questions are: What kind of paint is that? Is this something I can do myself, or is there a special application process that needs to happen? (I'm almost tempted to get some mylar gels in red and "sandwich" them between the panes to get the same color/transparency effect. Any insights/advice would be very helpful!

: Thanks,
: Nick

Hi Nick

I'd go with colored mylar or thin plexiglass. I've used 1/16 orange plexiglass which looks very nice with the dial light shining through. You can buy translucent paint at a hobby shop but you need to apply it evenly. When light shines through the dial any unevenness will show.

Norm