Painting and Plating of Phonograph Parts

[keywindgem]

It probably has been talked about many times before but for a new collector I ask your help and opinions.
Painting with acrylic or japanning:
I am having difficulties finding Black Japan for metal to paint my Edison Home Phonograph. The Black Japan at my local hardware store is for wood-working.
www.feastwatson.com.au/WoodstainsBlackJapan.asp
I am guessing this not what I want!!!
Also I am having trouble finding anyone in Australia that sells asphaltum powder, rosin (what ever that is) etc.
I have read Martin's excellent article but I am still having trouble understanding the technique. Are there any collectors in Australia that have used this traditional restoration method?
I had contemplated using auto acrylic!! But to the purists I guess this taboo.
Is the traditional method a gloss or semi-gloss finish?
Getting any liquid flammable products from the USA is banned by airmail.
Nickel Plating:
My nickel plated fixtures are a little rusty and I was going to get these re-nickeled, is this OK, and is the finish polished bright or satin finish?
Peter

[martinola]

Hi Peter.
You can get roughly the same effect with a black paint for metal. (Such as automobile paint.) After it's well cured, sanded & polished, you would overcoat with amber shellac. It will give more depth to the bedplate and it will also seal in the decals. I've found that "japanning" has a very loose definition and it practically useless for searching. Good luck with the restoration!
Martin

[bob27556]

The Victrola Repair Service does excellent nickle plating. They will not buff the parts to a bright shine unless you ask them to. I had some parts from an Edison Standard Model 'A' plated a few years ago that were in pretty bad shape. They came back with a dull sheen that made them look old but in good condition. Here's a link to their website. They'll be happy to discuss it with you.

www.victrolarepairservice.com/

Or, you can find a local plater and discuss the final finish you want.

[gibsonj]

keywindgem

I'm attaching a couple of links that I've ran across re. black japanning. Can't speak to the success of any of these, but wanted to pass along. Good luck with your restoration.

www.dickblick.com/products/asphaltum-liquid/#description

www.cranialstorage.com/Wood/japanning.html

libertyonthehudson.com/pontypool.html


John