Dial Repair Discussion

[Folkvisor]

How about fixing a chipped section of a dial? 

Someone put whiteout on it and it's really ugly.

There must be a way of getting it re-enameled or some kind of fill one can use that looks better than whiteout.

[oldhippy]

You need to find someone who specialises in enamelling. I had a guy who would under take the task for enabled clock dials. Sorry I no longer have his address, all I remember is it was an address in Wales 20 odd years ago.

[clockboy]

There is a company to be found in the resources section.

[oli]

Cousins sell  2 different dial enamel compounds (AF Swiss or Bergeon).

i have not been brave enough to try them yet, but would like to give it a go at some point.

There are also cold enamelling kits available to the jewellery trade, I wonder if this could work on watch dials.

[clockboy]

I have tried a few dial repair kits on clock dials. The hardest part is to match the existing colour. Most dials discolour over the years and getting a match I found very difficult. I have not attempted this for a few years but if my memory is correct dial cracks can be improved by rubbing into the crake a mild solution of bleach then rising. Test on a non showing area first if attempted. This is the kit I used: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/dial-repair-kit.

The the best I ever achieved was as follows: I rubbed down the complete dial, and repaired any cracks. Then I sprayed the dial with a white undercoat followed by a  white enamel paint. Then I added a dial transfer. Then I coated with clear lacquer.  
This is not an easy job as the least bit of dust destroys the overall look.

Dial Transfer sheets.They come in various sizes & number styles see example below.

http://www.medmaw.com/cgi-bin/medmaw/medmaw.cgi?cart_id=389203_80809&page=&session=&details=y&exact_match=on&search_request_button=y&store=parts&mall_name=muk&product=14462&

[Folkvisor]

I'll ask my friend if he is interested in getting a kit. He seems to want to do the work himself which is OK with me because I have no expertise in dial refinishing.

It sounds a bit like trying to match colours of ivory on an old piano - next to impossible.

Thank you for all the suggestions.