Pictured is an Ansonia "LaFrance" ca. 1890 that I just completed. The case had been a dark green metalic which isn't quite kosher for this model.
I refinished it with black, high temperature, enamel. I am very pleased with the results. This high temp. material seems to dry faster and harder than regular enamel. Hopefully it will also be chip resistant.
I used Rub-N-Buff, "Old Gold" on the trim. I am not completely satisfied with it. I will probably try some other finishes for these parts.
Tell me what you think and be honest!!

Joe

Joe, i am no expert but i think you did a great job on your clock.It really brings out the features of your clock the restoration work you have done on it.
Very good job.

very nice!

Greg

Joe I think you did a great job

What exactly is "high temperature, enamel".

Thanks
Gret

Greg i think, but not sure the enamel that Joe used is for things like bbqs that get hot.I may be wrong and Joe can correct me.
Joe i was wondering what did you use to remove the old paint on the case and clean the dial?

Kevin had it right about the emanel. It is for BBQs, outdoor gas lights, steam pipes and some auto engine parts. It supposedly withstands 1000 degrees.(But might discolor or loose some gloss) It comes flat as well as gloss but very few colors. I had to go to the neighborhood ACE Hardware to find gloss black. The national superstores did not have it.
As to its drying fast and hard, I found a run on one of the flat surfaces and deceided to repaint just that one section. The paint had been on it for about 24 hours. I got out a razor blade to scrape it off. Instead of just pealing up as common enamel would at that age this stuff came off in tiny flakes like old paint would. I had intended to bake the finish at about 350 degrees but after seeing how hard it got in one day I deceided it did not need it.
The old finish on this clock was enamel so it came off with stripper. The original finish however was "Japaned" and had to be scrapped off. I have yet to find any stripper that will touch it.
Just a note of caution. Clean,bare castiron will start to rust within minutes if in a warm,slightly to very humid, area.
Almost forgot to answer the dial question. I did nothing to it. It looks new in the picture but it is yellowed and crinkly. There are worn areas where the winding key has missed its target. Adds character I think.

Joe

Great job Joe do you have other clocks in the restoration process?
I am sure they will turn out nice like this one.

I can only echo the comments.... comments ...... comments above. A fine feeling of accomplishment must go with that fine finish!

Thanks for the encouragement folks. I have a couple more coming up. After looking at the list of topics more closely I think I should post them in the "Projects Catagory."

Joe