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Coloring
Replacement Dials for Westclox Clocks
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Simulating Age
Most original
dials were very close to white, and many good clocks found today still
have nearly white dials. Therefore, if any tinting of the replacement
dial is to be done, it should be very slight in most instances. Possible
coloring agents include instant tea, and food coloring in water. The
reproduction dials may be soaked for short periods of time (a minute
or so) without harm, and will dry perfectly flat if laid face down on
glass and weighted. Excess liquid should be blotted off first. Dial
tinting should be done before the dials and holes are cut out, to make
the coloration more uniform. On request, scrap dials will be sent free
of charge with any order. These are useful for experimenting with tinting.
Celluloid Dials
Some old
Westclox clocks have dials of celluloid over paper. It is possible to
get a close imitation of this finish. First, tint the dial. A recipe
I've used is 1 cup water, 15 teaspoons instant tea, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
yellow food color (depending on how yellow you want the dial.) You may
want to experiment some more to get the color you are happiest with.
Keep in mind that the lacquer and tung oil applied later will darken
the color somewhat. Soak the dial in the coloring agent for one minute,
then let dry as described in the previous paragraph. Now tape the dial
face up to a piece of cardboard, with the tape completely surrounding
the dial. Next it must be lacquered. Some lacquers will dissolve the
ink, so the first few coats must be very light. After the lacquer has
been brought up to a smooth surface, and is dry, flood the dial with
tung oil (such as Formby's gloss), let the excess run off by holding
the dial vertically, then let dry in a horizontal position. When dry,
cut out the dial and holes.
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