1948 (TS-4H) Motorola VT71 restored!

[bandersen]

I had originally refinished this cabinet with water based poly, but I've learned a lot since then. So I'm re-refinishing it using traditional materials.

The poly came off very easily with Citri-Strip.


Next, a little brown mahogany stain.


Then, grain filler.


I've used burlap in the past to remove the excess, but this time around I'm using a scraper. Really just an expired credit card. it worked out quite well.


I darkened in the pin-striping and edges with dark brown hobby paint then sprayed on some lacquer sanding sealer.


I applied a set of new gold decals to the control area.


Next up a little toner lacquer and the finish coats.

[fox_rivers]

Originally Posted by bandersen

I had originally refinished this cabinet with water based poly, but I've learned a lot since then. So I'm re-refinishing it using traditional materials.

The poly came off very easily with Citri-Strip.


Next, a little brown mahogany stain.


Then, grain filler.


I've used burlap in the past to remove the excess, but this time around I'm using a scraper. Really just an expired credit card. it worked out quite well.


I darkened in the pin-striping and edges with dark brown hobby paint then sprayed on some lacquer sanding sealer.


I applied a set of new gold decals to the control area.


Next up a little toner lacquer and the finish coats.

Looks good! What was wrong with the water based poly?

[bandersen]

Just like regular poly, it looks kinda "plasticy" compared to lacquer. Lacquer is also what they used originally. That being said, I have seen refinishing done with poly that looks pretty good and you'll find plenty of arguments pro/con poly vs. lacquer.

Personally, it took a while to get the hang of lacquer, but now I really like it.

[Reece]

I always use lacquer since it's what was used from the early thirties on (shellac before that.) I keep a few old credit cards too, just for scraping off filler. Filler makes a big difference in the look and makes finishing easier as the pores of the wood are closed and it doesn't take as many finishing coats. Good looking job!