I have several radios that I've repaired and recapped that need to have the wood cabinets done. I want to do it myself. From what I gather Mohawk products are the way to go, unless I’ve missed something. Is there a standard for layering lacquers, when to and what color tints to use. I want it done right but I want to do it myself. Thanks.

:I have several radios that I've repaired and recapped that need to have the wood cabinets done. I want to do it myself. From what I gather Mohawk products are the way to go, unless I’ve missed something. Is there a standard for layering lacquers, when to and what color tints to use. I want it done right but I want to do it myself. Thanks.

Mohawk sells good products for cabinet restoration including toning lacquers. If you want to duplicate a finish exactly you'll need a good eye for colors. Mohawk toners are good for edges etc but can get expensive when trying to do an entire console with spray bombs. I've had good success tinting/toning Deft lacquer with MinWax stain and then applying that with a spray gun until I get the right shade/darkness. Walnut toners will probably cover the bulk of the cabinets out there.

Brett,
For a beginner, my experience with Mohawk spray can toning lacquers was difficult. Even at the expense of Mohawk, it's almost worth wasting a can to develop a technique, rather than ruining a beautiful wood gem on your first try. First, you have to continually shake the can, to keep the dyes/pigments in suspension, otherwise you'll have blotches. Second, the nozzle is old style, and should be cleaned with solvent after every use. Of course the spray technique itself (sweep motion) is critical to proper toning with any product. For final clear coat finish, I've found that Deft is my preferred product, mainly because of the newer style nozzle needs less cleaning, and is easier to control the fan pattern. I'm not aware of toning lacquers available from Deft, and have had minor problems with the nozzles, but not as much as the older style from other vendors. Good Luck!!

marv

:I have several radios that I've repaired and recapped that need to have the wood cabinets done. I want to do it myself. From what I gather Mohawk products are the way to go, unless I’ve missed something. Is there a standard for layering lacquers, when to and what color tints to use. I want it done right but I want to do it myself. Thanks.

:I have several radios that I've repaired and recapped that need to have the wood cabinets done. I want to do it myself. From what I gather Mohawk products are the way to go, unless I’ve missed something. Is there a standard for layering lacquers, when to and what color tints to use. I want it done right but I want to do it myself. Thanks.

I have done many a radio with a 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and turpentine. Then use a good tree wax, buff to a clean shine. This really brings out the natural wood gain and color. The wax protects and has the warm glow shine. Very easy to do, and always comes out perfect and even. Just be sure the wood is clean, and gone over with steel wool before you start. No need for all that stain and spray stuff. Try this on an old cigar box or something to see how well it looks.

Hi Brett, I had plenty of problems refinishing wooden cabinets until I purchased a 4 disk set of DVD's from bretsoldradios@att.net They made all the difference in the world and actually ended up saving me money because I used alot less laquer and other materials. I have been having outstanding results using his methods. Even learned how to rebuild cabinets and make major repairs. Now a days it doesn't much matter how bad a cabinet is as long as it has its original knobs. Check it out he gives a real good discount if you purchase the 4 disk set. Check them out as far as I'm conserned they are worth every penny. Best Regards George T.

:Hi Brett, I had plenty of problems refinishing wooden cabinets until I purchased a 4 disk set of DVD's from bretsoldradios@att.net They made all the difference in the world and actually ended up saving me money because I used alot less laquer and other materials. I have been having outstanding results using his methods. Even learned how to rebuild cabinets and make major repairs. Now a days it doesn't much matter how bad a cabinet is as long as it has its original knobs. Check it out he gives a real good discount if you purchase the 4 disk set. Check them out as far as I'm conserned they are worth every penny. Best Regards George T.

Is that a website or email address? It won't work for me.

That is his email address. You can contact him and he will answer any questions you might have. Thanks, George.

:That is his email address. You can contact him and he will answer any questions you might have. Thanks, George.
His DVD's cover electronic repair, recapping, wooden, bakelite, plaskon, plastic, and much more. It is like having a friend show you how to repair radios. Great Stuff.