Finish on Chelsea Clock

[Rick D]

I have a large Chelsea clock and matching barometer about eighteen years old. It has their typical lacquered finish. They want $300 each to refinish them. I would just as soon have them unfinished and polish them. Any ideas for removing the old finish? Whatvdo you think I should do?

 

[kappykaplan]

Rick, years ago, I was in a similar situation with the same two items of a different brand. I went the "Brasso" route - trouble was, they didn't stay shiny for long. I ended up getting them refinished. My recommendation is to spend the $$$ for refinishing.

 

[jssailem]

Rick. Wow, they can be pricy objects. $580 at the "cheap" end to $4,000 plus.... If your on the low end then the Professional job is a bit much. On the high end pretty reasonable. Guess it depends on the time you want to spend and how much of a detail person you are. I had a clock and barometer that was surfaced scratched on the plastic lens. Spoke with a clock smith and he suggested I get some Meguiars's M10 Mirror Glaze® Clear Plastic Polish and M17 Mirror Glaze® Clear Plastic Cleaner. I spent hours polishing and I ended up with restored lenses. While at it I used some Flitz Polish - Liquid to clean up the metal. It worked to remove what was left of any coating and give the brass a warm shine.

 

[Dalliance]

Nail polish remover will likely take off the old lacquer, but they won't stay polished for long if you don't apply a new coat of lacquer. I would not attempt either unless I could completely remove the instruments and lenses completely from the case. If these are particularly expensive units, it may be wise to spend the money to have the manufacturer do this, and at 18 years old, they may be in need of internal cleaning and service anyway. What does the $300 service include?

 

[justsomeguy]

Lacquer thinner will remove the old finish, but here's good advice:

I would not attempt this unless I could completely remove the instruments and lenses completely from the case.

Personally, I'd use shellac. You can build up a glossy or satin finish pretty quickly, and it's just so darned easy to repair if necessary.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Did the shellac route and it has been fine for 2 years now. Works on the ships bell and storm glass also BTW