RESTORATION OF A PHILCO MODEL
42-350 RADIO CABINET
Skills Demonstration:
Preserving and restoring the original antique finish of a 1940s tabletop radio cabinet.
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The restoration of this Philco model 42-350 radio was complicated, to say the least. The finish crumbled away beneath the slightest touch, suggesting that a complete strip and refinish might be the best solution.
However, I wanted to maintain the existing logo and dial decals. Although reproductions exist, the originals have a unique patina that cannot be recreated. Thus, the goal was to restore the existing finish as much as possible.
To achieve this goal, I first cleaned the radio with very fine steel wool. Next, I mixed a custom stain and applied a light coat to match the original color where the bare wood was now exposed.
In its original state
With the custom stain-match applied
After several layers of stain were applied to build up the color in specific areas, the radio was ready to be sealed.
To do so, I opted for an antique-friendly finish that would bring back the cabinet shine of an antique radio without suffocating the wood.
Once the finish had cured, the original buttons and brass plate could be replaced. Unfortunately, the original glass was damaged and could not be reused, but a detailed reproduction brought this radio back up to its original glory.
In the future, I would like to learn to restore the radio inside and make this item functional. For now, the cabinet, decals, and patina are preserved for years to come.