Vintage Clock Parts Guide

Restoring Traditional Japanned Finishes on Longcase Clocks
Restoring Traditional Japanned Finishes on Longcase Clocks
This article focuses on restoring traditional japanned finishes on 18th century longcase clocks, covering differences between japanning and ebonizing, applying gesso undercoats on oak for smooth surfaces, using period-appropriate lamp... Read more...
Making Replacement Back Doors for Clock Cases
Making Replacement Back Doors for Clock Cases
This article focuses on creating replacement back doors for clock cases when originals are missing, covering wood selection challenges with modern versus old-growth lumber, achieving flat unfinished appearance with shellac... Read more...
Recreating Faux Marble Finishes on Ansonia Clock Trim
Recreating Faux Marble Finishes on Ansonia Clock Trim
This article focuses on recreating faux marble painted finishes on Ansonia clock trim pieces where original paint has flaked off. We'll cover matching base coat colors, creating random splotch patterns... Read more...
Installing Beveled Glass in French Clock Bezels Using Heat
Installing Beveled Glass in French Clock Bezels Using Heat
This article focuses on installing beveled glass in French clock bezels using thermal expansion crimping techniques. We'll cover heating bezels in boiling water to expand the metal, pressing glass into... Read more...
Identifying and Removing Mystery Black Finishes on Clock Cases
Identifying and Removing Mystery Black Finishes on Clock Cases
This article focuses on identifying whether black finishes on clock cases are original ebonizing, heat-darkened shellac, amateur paint jobs, or smoke damage, then choosing appropriate removal or preservation strategies. We'll... Read more...
Touching Up Black Japanned Finishes on Mantel Clocks
Touching Up Black Japanned Finishes on Mantel Clocks
This article focuses on touching up worn or damaged black japanned finishes on mantel clocks, particularly Ingraham models with simulated slate surfaces. We'll cover choosing appropriate touch-up materials from boot... Read more...
Repairing Finish Damage from Old Adhesive Tape on Clock Cases
Repairing Finish Damage from Old Adhesive Tape on Clock Cases
This article focuses on repairing finish damage caused by old adhesive tape on clock cases, particularly the negative impression left after adhesive removal. We'll cover removing remaining adhesive residue with... Read more...
Removing Alligatored Varnish from Clock Cases
Removing Alligatored Varnish from Clock Cases
This article focuses on dealing with severely alligatored or crazed varnish finishes on clock cases, often resulting from heat exposure, improper storage, or amateur revarnishing attempts. We'll cover identifying whether... Read more...
Refinishing Spelter Figurines on French Clocks
Refinishing Spelter Figurines on French Clocks
This article focuses on refinishing damaged spelter figurines and cases on French clocks using Rub-n-Buff or similar metallic pastes as affordable alternatives to replating. We'll cover stripping old paint and... Read more...
Repairing Warped and Split Ogee Clock Case Bottoms
Repairing Warped and Split Ogee Clock Case Bottoms
This article focuses on repairing warped and split bottom boards on ogee clock cases, typically caused by water damage. We'll cover identifying secondary woods like pine and poplar, deciding between... Read more...
Applying Brown Wash Finish to Clock Cases
Applying Brown Wash Finish to Clock Cases
This article focuses on creating traditional brown wash finishes on wooden clock cases—a lighter application than paint but heavier than stain that provides semi-transparent protective coating with flat appearance. We'll... Read more...
Carving Replacement Crest Pieces for Cuckoo Clocks
Carving Replacement Crest Pieces for Cuckoo Clocks
This article focuses on carving replacement crest and frame pieces for damaged cuckoo clocks when original sections are missing or broken. We'll cover choosing appropriate wood like basswood or walnut,... Read more...