Finishing a Cabinet

I wish to finish a radio cabinet with NC laquer. Nice job Shane on the radiogram. I have finished several radio cabinets with NC without a problem. This cabinet is a little different in that has veneered top and sides however between these on the corners and around the dial opening there is rebated and routed timber. This timber was originally painted with a special coloured brown paint. I matched the colour with an oil base paint and finished the cabinet with polyeurthane as I was aware NC would react with the oil base paint. The end result is OK but I am not very happy with poly. NC is much better. I am going to redo it.

What can I do to to stop NC reacting with the oil base paint? Would a light coat of schellac over the paint be in order? What would they have used in production. The trim was paint,not stain,and the finish NC. The Radio manufactuer is AWA Radiola circa 1947. How did they apply the colour to these edges quickly and get it neat. A small brush works but is fiddly. Certainly not for production.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Keith

The original may well have been NC lacquer. It doesn't have to be clear, it can be coloured. It is possible that the original finish was spirit varnish and not NC this also can be coloured.

Shellac over the paint should fix the problem but 1 caot probably won't be enough.

Not the done thing, but, you will probably get away with a pressure pack can of auto touch up spray if you can find a colour that fits the bill.

Hope this helps a little.

Cheers - Neil