Refurbishing a Clock Dial with a Paint Roller
In the heart of a quaint Canadian cottage, a remarkable restoration project was underway. The object of interest was none other than an antique Canadian cottage clock from the mid 1880s, specifically an embossed dial pan for a Waterbury Wren shelf clock C.1895. The case form, known as an "og" or "ogee", added to its charm.
The dial, weathered by time, had most of its paint rubbed off, revealing the intricate embossed design beneath. However, finding specific instructions on how to paint an embossed dial on a Waterbury Wren shelf clock using a paint roller proved to be a challenge. Undeterred, the restorer decided to approach the task based on general principles and their knowledge.
The restoration process began with a thorough cleaning of the dial. A gentle cleaner was used to remove dust, grease, and old paint, ensuring a clean and dry surface before painting. Next, a thin, even coat of primer designed for metal or the dial's material was applied, creating a good base for paint adhesion, especially important on embossed surfaces.
A small, high-density foam paint roller was chosen over a thick nap roller. Foam rollers help apply smooth and even coats on delicate or detailed surfaces without clogging embossed details. Thin, light coats of paint were applied, gently rolled over the embossed dial to avoid filling in the raised details. Multiple thin layers preserved the details better than one thick coat.
For hard-to-reach or very fine embossed areas, a fine brush was used to ensure full coverage without obscuring the design. Once the paint dried, a clear protective sealer was optionally applied to preserve the finish.
The repainted dial, though not factory perfect, was difficult to tell it was repainted from a reasonable viewing distance. The clock case, a Waterbury Wren shelf clock case, was worked on while waiting for movement parts. The dial and the chapter ring were both painted using the roller, with touch-ups made using an artists brush for areas the roller could not reach.
The clock, initially assumed to be a Seth Thomas, was later concluded to not be a Seth Thomas case. It was, in fact, a George H. Clark 30-hour shelf clock. The dial now needs a 5 1/2 inch bezel and glass to complement it. This restoration project is a testament to the beauty of antique clocks and the dedication of those who preserve them. It's a good example of Connecticut form, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the era. Decorative hand-painted antique dials require attention from time to time, but with careful restoration techniques, they can be brought back to life, telling time once more with the same charm as they did over a century ago.
- The home-improvement endeavor that unfolded within the cottage involved restoring a vintage clock, specifically a Waterbury Wren shelf clock from the 1890s, making it a perfect addition to a home-and-garden or lifestyle collection.
- During the home-improvement project, the restorer paid close attention to the embossed dial on the Waterbury Wren shelf clock, carefully applying thin layers of paint with a small foam roller to preserve the intricate design and bring out its vintage charm.
