Restoring a clock face with a paint roller application
Restoring an Antique Dial on a Waterbury Wren Shelf Clock
Restoring an antique dial on a Waterbury Wren shelf clock (circa 1895) requires careful attention due to the clock's age and collectible nature. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you restore the dial while preserving its original character:
1. Assess the Dial Condition
- Examine the dial for cracks, paint loss, corrosion, and any signs of structural damage.
- Identify the dial material, as Waterbury Wren dials are typically metal with painted surfaces.
- Note the embossed areas—these should be preserved with their relief details intact.
2. Prepare Your Workspace and Materials
- Work in a well-lit, dust-free area.
- Gather fine brushes, acrylic or enamel paints matched to original colors, enamel or lacquer for finishing, mild cleaning agents (distilled water, mild soap), soft cloths, cotton swabs, magnification tools, and wear gloves.
3. Cleaning the Dial
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives.
- Gently clean the dial surface with a soft cloth moistened with distilled water or a mild soap solution.
- For stubborn dirt, use a q-tip (cotton swab) dampened with the same mild solution.
- Avoid soaking the dial; moisture can cause rust or damage to the metal.
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth.
- If rust is present, minimal light mechanical removal with fine steel wool (#0000) can be done, but only on non-painted areas.
4. Repairing and Restoring the Paint
- If the paint is flaking or missing:
- Use a fine brush and high-quality enamel or acrylic paints matching original dial colors.
- Test your paint on a separate surface before applying.
- Paint in thin layers and allow drying completely between coats.
- For embossed numbers and decorations, be gentle to maintain sharpness.
- To replicate faded or missing black numerals or detail:
- Use a fine-tipped permanent ink pen or enamel paint with a fine brush.
- Work slowly to avoid mistakes.
5. Repainting the Background
- The dial background is usually white or off-white.
- Use a thin enamel paint that is durable but thin enough to respect the embossing.
- Apply with a tiny brush or airbrush for an even coat.
- Avoid paint pooling in embossed recesses—thin layers prevent this.
6. Protective Finish
- After repainting and drying completely (several days), apply a clear protective coat:
- Use clear enamel or lacquer suitable for metal.
- It provides durability and a slight gloss typical of clock dials.
- Apply in thin coats; allow full drying time between coats.
7. Reassembling and Final Check
- Make sure the dial is completely dry before reinstalling hands and movement.
- Carefully check that the hands do not rub the freshly repainted dial.
- If possible, take photos before and after restoration to document your work.
Additional Tips:
- Preserve as much original paint as possible: over-restoring reduces the clock's value.
- For complex restorations or highly valuable clocks, consider consulting a professional clock/restoration specialist.
- Keep all restoration records and materials used for future reference.
In this process, a paint roller made out of 18 gauge wire and masking tape was used for cleaning the dial, while an ultrasonic cleaner was not specifically mentioned. A 5 1/2 inch bezel and glass are needed to complement the dial, and the George H. Clark 30-hour shelf clock is a good example of Connecticut form. The Waterbury Wren shelf clock is not a Seth Thomas case.
Lifestyle enthusiasts interested in home-improvement and home-and-garden projects might enjoy restoring vintage clocks, such as the Waterbury Wren shelf clock, as part of their collection. After following a careful restoration process that preserves the clock's original character, this vintage clock can complement any home-and-garden or lifestyle setting.
