The AM Forum

I picked up a very nice SX-17 the other day. I was thinking about stripping and
re-painting the cabinet.

I would like to hear from folks who have done this and can provide me with some
guidance.

Thanks in advance,

73, Dick, W1KSZ

First, how are considering painting the cabinet?  Rattle can, or typical compressor/paint gun method?   There are numerous methods to strip paint, sand blast, chemical stripper, sanding, again, what method would you consider.

I have compressed air available and use abrasive automotive pads and random orbital sander to strip cabinets.

https://mikeharrison.smugmug.com/NATIONAL/NC240D/CABINET/NewPaint/Cabinet/ (https://mikeharrison.smugmug.com/NATIONAL/NC240D/CABINET/NewPaint/Cabinet/)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/NATIONAL/NC240D/CABINET/NewPaint/Cabinet/i-h7HPtLJ/0/057e2498/O/CAb%205.jpg)

I've used rattle cans for wrinkle finishes, and spray equipment for others

(https://photos.smugmug.com/NATIONAL/NC240D/CABINET/NewPaint/Big-Pics/Big-Pics/i-8GRKvdb/0/43bc648a/L/P8310010-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/GONSET/G63-Receiver/After/i-RkGxg8S/0/cddf93d2/L/P8080056-L.jpg)

Getting the old surfaces prepp'ed is not as big an issue as re-painting the cabinet.
Trying to duplicate the paint finish (black crackle) is the bigger issue.

There's a local shop that does sand and bead blasting that I have used in the past
to remove paint from Collins cabinets that does a nice job.

Any suggestions on the paint ?

Tnx es 73, Dick, W1KSZ

I'm not sure if that radio wants wrinkle or pebble or smooth finish.  But a couple weeks ago I decided to restore the finish on a short black wrinkle rack cabinet.  I wire brushed and sanded to get good surface prep and used the Rustoleum black wrinkle stuff in the spray can, about $5, shipped on Ebay.  I applied it in the afternoon and at bedtime it still looked like regular paint.  I went to bed thinking "oh well, that's why they make solvent and sandpaper."  But the next morning, what to my wondering eyes did appear but a very pretty black wrinkle finish.
I recall the misery of the old spray stuff that you had to cook in the oven, stinking it and the kitchen up.
Rustoleum makes their wrinkle paint in various colors, but the black is classic, with a modest gloss that takes you right back to the good old days.

Thanks for the tip, I'll get a can and try it out.

73, Dick, W1KSZ

Put it on real thick with the surface horizontal.  Then immediately take a heat gun and start at one of the corners and just move the heat gun along and watch it wrinkle as you go.  Repeat the process on all the sides by putting each side horizontal. 

Works extremely well.  The Rustoleum stuff is some of the best to use.

Joe-GMS     

Joe and Dick....
Obviously, I painted horizontal surfaces. In my case I put it on "normally" thick (clearly a subjective comment) but I didn't flood it wicked thick.  And I just let it sit, without the heat gun treatment.
This diversity of technique, both getting good results, tells me that the Rustoleum wrinkle paint is pretty forgiving stuff.  Rest assured that nobody from Nascar has been bugging me to paint his car, nor has Martha Stewart been calling for decor advice, so if I can do it.......

Very nice work there and nice work bench panels!

Thanks for the kind words.   The test panels are a product of several years of on again/off again effort, but eventually completed.

I usually apply wrinkle by pre-heating the piece on an over turned trash can out in the summer Sun, then apply a couple heavy coats about 5 minutes apart, and let ole Sol do the rest.