Crackle and Wrinkle paint textures. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

David G4EBT · 4th May 2007, 8:19 am

Forum members who are familiar with the Heathkit range of kits - receivers, transmitters, test gear and so on, will know that they were often finished in a distinctive greeny coloured paint.

I wouldn't call it "crackle" - maybe "wrinkle", and more matt than gloss.

I've never seen anything like it on sale, and of course it was factory finished -not from an aerosol can.

I wonder if any forum member has come across an acceptable substitute?

I won't hold my breath!

Thanks for reading.

David.
G4EBT

igranic · 5th May 2007, 2:56 pm

First, for clarity's sake, let's make a clear distinction between 'crackle' and 'wrinkle' paint finishes.
This is an example of the 'crackle' finish beloved of interior designers, which I have seen used in red on a 1940s Ever Ready Portable, but never on a Heathkit.

[IMG]http://farm1.static.***********/169/415895037_50c5da2a1f.jpg[/IMG]

Whereas, wrinkle paint, in close-up, looks like this, and is similar to that used on some heathkits:

http://www.tomyang.net/cars/wrinkle2.jpg

Grey (and red or black) 'VHT Wrinkle Plust aerosol spray paint is available in the UK from USAutomotive, but it has been suggested that this could, when fully cured, be oversprayed with thin coats of the appropriate colour in order to achieve the desired textured finish.

For the appropriate overspray colour you could try a made-while-you-wait paint match aerosol. These are often available from local specialist automotive paint suppliers or motor factors. Or you could try Halfords Paint Match, but I personally would not go there expecting expert assistance.

HTH

Edward

mikelect · 5th May 2007, 3:15 pm

Hi David, I had the same problem and after much searching ended up having the case of my Mohican bead blasted and powder coated, with a very close colour, I was quoted £15 but when I collected it he charged me £5 (nothing wrong with the job and said his dad did it !!!) just lucky I guess but other places quoted me £35 plus materials. Another alternative I considered was to have the paint matched at a decorators supplies but there was a minimum quantity of 2 litres, I did find the correct colour in an aerosol in the USofA but they aren't allowed to post it so a no go, the paint is actually a type of silk/matt finish, hope this is some help

Mike

plumbweiss · 5th May 2007, 6:19 pm

our local B&Q warehouse has a colossal range of textured radiator paint aerosols with crackle, wrinkle, hammered, rusted, what-have-you! I cant guarantee the correct colour but the texture is a start..

4th May 2007, 8:19 am	#1
David G4EBT Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 5,761	Crackle and Wrinkle paint textures. Forum members who are familiar with the Heathkit range of kits - receivers, transmitters, test gear and so on, will know that they were often finished in a distinctive greeny coloured paint. I wouldn't call it "crackle" - maybe "wrinkle", and more matt than gloss. I've never seen anything like it on sale, and of course it was factory finished -not from an aerosol can. I wonder if any forum member has come across an acceptable substitute? I won't hold my breath! Thanks for reading. David. G4EBT

5th May 2007, 2:56 pm	#2
igranic Rest in Peace Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 395	Re: Heathkit Paint? First, for clarity's sake, let's make a clear distinction between 'crackle' and 'wrinkle' paint finishes. This is an example of the 'crackle' finish beloved of interior designers, which I have seen used in red on a 1940s Ever Ready Portable, but never on a Heathkit. [IMG]http://farm1.static.**********/169/415895037_50c5da2a1f.jpg[/IMG] Whereas, wrinkle paint, in close-up, looks like this, and is similar to that used on some heathkits: http://www.tomyang.net/cars/wrinkle2.jpg Grey (and red or black) 'VHT Wrinkle Plust aerosol spray paint is available in the UK from USAutomotive, but it has been suggested that this could, when fully cured, be oversprayed with thin coats of the appropriate colour in order to achieve the desired textured finish. For the appropriate overspray colour you could try a made-while-you-wait paint match aerosol. These are often available from local specialist automotive paint suppliers or motor factors. Or you could try Halfords Paint Match, but I personally would not go there expecting expert assistance. HTH Edward Last edited by Darren-UK; 11th Dec 2007 at 1:34 am. Reason: Retail price reference removed.*

5th May 2007, 3:15 pm	#3
mikelect Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK. Posts: 799	Re: Heathkit Paint? Hi David, I had the same problem and after much searching ended up having the case of my Mohican bead blasted and powder coated, with a very close colour, I was quoted £15 but when I collected it he charged me £5 (nothing wrong with the job and said his dad did it !!!) just lucky I guess but other places quoted me £35 plus materials. Another alternative I considered was to have the paint matched at a decorators supplies but there was a minimum quantity of 2 litres, I did find the correct colour in an aerosol in the USofA but they aren't allowed to post it so a no go, the paint is actually a type of silk/matt finish, hope this is some help Mike

5th May 2007, 6:19 pm	#4
plumbweiss Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Manchester, UK. Posts: 157	Re: Heathkit Paint? our local B&Q warehouse has a colossal range of textured radiator paint aerosols with crackle, wrinkle, hammered, rusted, what-have-you! I cant guarantee the correct colour but the texture is a start..