Vintage Clock Parts Guide

Restoring Weathered Oak Longcase Clock Cases
Restoring Weathered Oak Longcase Clock Cases
This article focuses on restoring 18th century oak longcase clock cases where weather exposure has removed most of the original finish down to bare wood. We'll cover gentle stripping with... Read more...
Installing Glass in Clock Doors: Putty, Points, or Pins
Installing Glass in Clock Doors: Putty, Points, or Pins
This article focuses on choosing appropriate methods for installing glass in clock doors including traditional putty made from plaster of Paris and burnt umber, linseed oil glazier's putty, small pins... Read more...
Recreating Gold Finish on Cast Iron Clock Fronts
Recreating Gold Finish on Cast Iron Clock Fronts
This article focuses on restoring gold finish on cast iron clock fronts that have been repainted or had their original gilding deteriorate. We'll cover stripping old paint without losing casting... Read more...
Polishing Rough Onyx Clock Cases
Polishing Rough Onyx Clock Cases
This article focuses on restoring smooth, mirror-like finish to rough onyx clock cases using wet sanding techniques with automotive finishing papers. We'll cover progressive grit sequences from 320 to 2000,... Read more...
Repairing Veneer on Seth Thomas Column and Cornice Clocks
Repairing Veneer on Seth Thomas Column and Cornice Clocks
This article focuses on repairing missing or damaged rosewood veneer on Seth Thomas column and cornice cases, particularly the challenging curved crown sections. We'll cover sourcing appropriate rosewood veneer, matching... Read more...
How to Repair Cracked Clock Feet and Ornaments | Beginner Guide
How to Repair Cracked Clock Feet and Ornaments | Beginner Guide
This article focuses on how to repair cracked or broken clock feet and decorative ornaments using safe, beginner-friendly methods that preserve original parts whenever possible. Understanding what clock feet and... Read more...
Choosing the Right Wax and Polish for Wooden Clock Cases
Choosing the Right Wax and Polish for Wooden Clock Cases
This article focuses on selecting appropriate cleaners and waxes for different wooden clock case finishes including shellac, lacquer, ebonized, and natural wood surfaces. We'll cover why cleaning before polishing matters,... Read more...
French Polishing Clock Cases with Shellac
French Polishing Clock Cases with Shellac
This article focuses on achieving mirror-finish French polish on clock cases using shellac padding technique. We'll cover making proper shellac cuts, pore filling with colored spackling for invisible repairs, the... Read more...
Removing Mold from Cuckoo Clock Cases
Removing Mold from Cuckoo Clock Cases
This article focuses on safely removing mold from cuckoo clock cases that have been exposed to moisture, including cleaning carved wood details, killing mold spores to prevent regrowth, dealing with... Read more...
Restoring Cloudy Adamantine Celluloid Finish on Mantel Clocks
Restoring Cloudy Adamantine Celluloid Finish on Mantel Clocks
This article focuses on restoring adamantine celluloid surfaces that have developed milky or dusty grey cloudiness from decades of outgassing and environmental exposure. We'll cover progressive wet sanding techniques using... Read more...
Gilding Incised Details on French Slate Clock Cases
Gilding Incised Details on French Slate Clock Cases
This article focuses on adding gold to incised decorative scrollwork on French slate clock cases using both traditional gold leaf and gold paint methods. We'll cover sizing application techniques, pressing... Read more...
Finishing Cuckoo Clock Cases with Carved Details
Finishing Cuckoo Clock Cases with Carved Details
This article focuses on finishing cuckoo clock cases with intricate carved details where traditional wax application clogs carvings. We'll cover oil versus wax finishes for carved wood, warming liquid wax... Read more...