What is the Original Clear Finish on a Stock Leslie 122... Is it Varnish?

[radsurfdad]

I recently bought a nice Vintage Leslie 122 dated about 1965. The Cabinet and original components are in good shape.Part of the Top of the Leslie has cracks in the clear coat finish down to the wood beneath. First...What is that original finish?(varnish?) Second... Is there an easy way to put more clear coat over the existing finish without extensive sanding or stripping? If so, what material?I don't want to de-value the cabinet by any means...Except for the very top.. it is in very good condition given it's age...
Thanks for all answers or opinions...

[Guest]

Tinted lacquer is what I've used.

[radsurfdad]

Hey Orgrinder010... could you be a little more explicit? Did you use the tinted Lacquer on top of the existing clear coat or did you sand it down? Still want to know what the original finish is?

[Wes]

I could be mistaken, but I believe these were done with spray-on, tinted, nitrocellulose lacquer at the factory, with no clear coat.

Wes

[radsurfdad]

OK Wes... then you're saying it's a Lacquer Finish not Varnish?
Seems like the only way to get a smooth surface on top of this Leslie is to sand or strip it down and apply new coats of lacquer... OR just leave it alone... If no other suggestions i'll just put Dr. Woodwell's
wood elixir furniture finish restorer on it and call it a day...

[Wes]

My 51C has the same problem. I'm thinking about using a kit like this --

http://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools...epair_Kit.html

Whatever you do, do not use silicone.

[radsurfdad]

My Option...

I decided to just put some Mahogany Stain by Minwax in the damaged parts (refer to my earlier photos) ... here is the result...
The damaged parts were lighter where it broke through the finish.. I stained those parts so it darkened it up to match the grain and blend in nicely as you can see...
I'm done...