Model 19 veneer care?

**voice of the theater** · October 14th, 2011, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by Audio_by_Goodwill

I've used it on black vinyl covered audio equipment covers........ I think I've used it on black plastic faces, too. I never thought of using it on something mechanical..... seems like it would be too thin.

I use it mixed with Grenadine--packs a nice KICK!

**Altec Best** · October 14th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by Nipper

Then again, I still think a lot like I did when I was 20.

And it shows !

BTW no explanation necessary,we know !!

TOUCH?

FWIW Pledge polish is a dust magnet !

**Nipper** · October 14th, 2011, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Altec Best

FWIW Pledge polish is a dust magnet !

You are supposed to wipe it off.

Just messing with you AB... Someone has to do it. It goes with the Mod job you know.

**Altec Best** · October 14th, 2011, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Nipper

You are supposed to wipe it off.

See most of us don't want it collecting in the first place !

The Howard's Feed & Wax is Bees Wax & Orange Oil. The Restor-A-Finish you use first then apply the Feed & Wax.Awesome stuff,works great Highly recommend.

Search Howards on any of the other audio forums to see some reviews of what other Folk's who have used it, think of it.

**timoteus** · October 14th, 2011, 03:49 PM

I have a pair that are similar to Nipper's. They were "Pledged" by the original owner for their entire life and that has been how I've continued to take care of them. They look great but are considerably darker than when new. Nothing wrong with that and I will probably just continue treating them this way even though the proper care for a hand rubbed oil finish is an occasional recoat and wax.

I also have another pair that when I got them were completely dried out and sun bleached on top. I kept the Pledge away from them until I was ready to refinish so as not to put any silicone into the dry veneer. Recently I pulled all the components and started the refinishing process. I thoroughly wiped them down with mineral spirits to strip the dirt, hand oil/sweat and mystery chemicals out of the veneer and then sanded them with 220 grit and feathered out a few superficial scratches. I then followed this procedure which I highly recommend. Super Smooth Oil Finish | Article | Woodworking While I'm not quite done, I can tell this is a superior method and the results of wet sanding are well worth the extra effort. This is going to be the same as the factory finish but even better because of the extra care, time and effort that Altec couldn't spend on them in an assembly line setting. I'm using Watco Medium Walnut Danish Oil but I'm sure the Light Walnut would look just as good if you prefer a lighter and more golden look, I opted for the Medium which is a little richer.

Super Smooth Oil Finish | Article | Woodworking

**voice of the theater** · October 14th, 2011, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by timoteus

I have a pair that are similar to Nipper's. They were "Pledged" by the original owner for their entire life and that has been how I've continued to take care of them. They look great but are considerably darker than when new. Nothing wrong with that and I will probably just continue treating them this way even though the proper care for a hand rubbed oil finish is an occasional recoat and wax.

I also have another pair that when I got them were completely dried out and sun bleached on top. I kept the Pledge away from them until I was ready to refinish so as not to put any silicone into the dry veneer. Recently I pulled all the components and started the refinishing process. I thoroughly wiped them down with mineral spirits to strip the dirt, hand oil/sweat and mystery chemicals out of the veneer and then sanded them with 220 grit and feathered out a few superficial scratches. I then followed this procedure which I highly recommend. Super Smooth Oil Finish | Article | Woodworking While I'm not quite done, I can tell this is a superior method and the results of wet sanding are well worth the extra effort. This is going to be the same as the factory finish but even better because of the extra care, time and effort that Altec couldn't spend on them in an assembly line setting. I'm using Watco Medium Walnut Danish Oil but I'm sure the Light Walnut would look just as good if you prefer a lighter and more golden look, I opted for the Medium which is a little richer.

Super Smooth Oil Finish | Article | Woodworking

Any (before and after) pictures?

**VolvoHeretic** · October 14th, 2011, 08:59 PM

I like the deep wood grained look. Sorry, but a too smooth, coated finish just starts to look like formica/vinyl veneer. I need woodgrain to be three dimensional onless it's a grand piano.

**juniper** · October 15th, 2011, 05:57 PM

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. Howards feed and wax I have on hand so I guess I will try that first. Thanks once again!!!!!!!

**Altec Best** · October 16th, 2011, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by juniper

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. Howards feed and wax I have on hand so I guess I will try that first. Thanks once again!!!!!!!

Please comeback and tell us your results. Thank You !

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · October 16th, 2011, 01:16 PM

I've made up a mixture of bees wax and linseed oil before, but I've never used it on speaker cabinets. I did it for a vintage-ish commercial grade credenza that I purchased for my TV/audio cabinet. The results are mixed. It darkens the scratches a bit too dark, and it doesn't give much of a shine. It does look better then before, However. It could be that it isn't the best to use on whatever the original finish is........ maybe a lacquer?