Phonoland

What would have been the original cabinet surface finish product on a Victrola VV-300 - ? I'm guessing a shellac...
and, is it possible to locate some of the original finish product,
lastly - if so, where?
No reason I can't do the job,
but I'd like to do it with the original product!
"Thanks"

There were a variety of finishes used on Victrolas, but shellac was the most common, and based on what I've seen, it's the type of finish applied to both the mahogany and walnut VV-300 models -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/300.htm

Also see --

Victrola Wood Finish Directory -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/Wood%20F ... ectory.htm

Restoration tips here -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/RESTORAT ... ain%29.htm

The type of shellac originally used was the "flaked" variety, as opposed to powered. It used to be sold by the Antique Phonograph Supply Company, along with other authentic refinishing supplies, but it's listed as "not available" on their site -- http://www.antiquephono.com/cabinet.htm I see it's sold by other companies, though, for instance -- http://www.shellac.net/ShellacPricing.html

When applying a shellac finish, it's important to use multiple, thin layers. Many restorers I've known would often apply about three or four coats, buffing the surface smooth in between. For the final surface polishing, rotten-stone works very well.

HTH,
Joe_DS

Hi Joe,
Not that I am ever going to re-finish anything (other then my meal)--but I am curious ?
What is "rotten-stone" ?
Ron Rich

JoeDS - a million thanks for your invaluable info...
It will be a while before this project is undertaken,
but I hope to post a few photo's after it is complete!

Hi Joe,

Like Ron I am intrigued about the "rotten stone" I have been know to do the odd bit of woodwork and polishing but it is not a term I know of.

Regards
Alan

ami-man
UK

Rotten-Stone (Aka Rottenstone) --Basically, it's decomposed limestone, used for the final polishing of fine finishes. (Often, it's the last step in French Polishing a cabinet.) The end result is a glass-like surface.

See -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotten_stone

It's available from a number of sellers, for instance --

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/rottenstone1lb.aspx
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2184

DS

Thanks Joe--clear as mud now ! Ron Rich