Would like to repaint my BC 312n radio. Should I use "engine" paint? Any help would be appreciated. Reg N5NJR

You do want black wrinkle, don't you? I use the black wrinkle paint you get at auto supply stores or on-line. I had great luck with VHT brand on a hot summer day, lousy luck with Plastikote brand. Your mileage may differ. You bring the panel lettering back up through the paint carefully with a stick and some wet-or-dry sandpaper (I use it wet.) That's the basics, anyway.

I stripped my panel first and then dusted it with a light coating of zinc chromate green primer from the aircraft supply store, then wet sanded that a bit before spraying the wrinkle. Probably not necessary but it amused me.

I agree with Geoff. I also use the VHT paint from the autoparts store. Strip all the paint and put on a fresh coat. I did this on a hot day as well, letting the piece heat up in the sun before painting a fairly thick coat, then coming back in a couple hours to check.

If its dry to he touch, bring it in out of the sun and allow it to cool down to room temp before handling, and even then be careful. You get the best results if the entire piece is allowed to heat up evenly before you spray. Don't rush things.

Don't need anything fancy, I just use the empty trash cans turned upside down as a spray table.


Not a close-up, but here is how I received it, with chips and gouges....




...and here is how it turned out.

Nice job, Mike....

I've had good days and bad days with wrinkle finishes. I've had good success with heating the cabinets up to 150 deg. F. and shooting them hot. The wrinkling action happens fairly quickly but the secret is in how you lay the paint down. It took a few tries to get it right. It seems like....1 shot, 2 shot, wait about 2 minutes, then a 3rd shot of paint.

The wrinkling comes out pretty even.