I've had a Coleman CQ for a while but the tank is split... not just stress cracked! It's been hit hard and the dent caused the metal to rupture... so, I've used the burner on a Nagel Chase tank, stem and handle ( the handle was in a state and has been repaired but the paint is still drying) As you can see, although the tank is sound, the nickel plating is not in a good state and I'm considering what I can do. Basically I've got three options: Spray it like some Coleman models Re-plate it (I don't have the kit) Leave it as it is When the handle is dry enough to put back on it might look too knew which is why I wondered if a two tone paint effect might look better. Nickel plate would look good but I can imagine the preparation being a royal pain if I want a good finish, plus I don't have the kit to do it myself. I guess I loose nothing if I spray it as it can be stripped if necessary. Thoughts?
Hi Colin 2 thoughts here: The first thought agrees with yours, select an appropriate paint and do one of your top finishes. As you say, if you change you mind, it can always be stripped back to the original finish. The second thought, it’s an old lamp exuding an old style persona, so personally, I would try this first and see if the grand old lady satisfies your soul. At the end of the day, it’s yours to decide what the grand old lady should ware ….. Cheers Pete @ColinG
Ahhhhh, Old Crafty Hen - one of my current favourite beers along with Old Jock and Champion Ale. I'll definitely save a bottle or two from you! EDIT... and King Goblin but they only make small batches of that.
I decided to try a Coleman style 'coppertone' finish as an experiment. The colours used are copper and dark brown or chestnut.
Thanks Jean. I've been wanting to experiment with this technique for a while to see if it's possible to replicate with a rattle can and it works. It's a bit tricky and at one point I had a can in both hands, dancing around my painting turntable like a dirvish. It's a good job Tracey wasn't handy with her camera!
We'll now, things never quite go to plan do they. After spraying the tank 'coppertone' it needed a top coat of fuel proof lacquer. In the past I've neglected this step only to have kero or naptha dribble down melting the paint. The lacquer immediately bubbled the paint surface and I was left with a hideous, gopping mess to deal with! Once that was removed, I stripped everything back with acetone and panel wipe to make sure the surface was chemically clean and I tried again. This time I applied a very light coat of lacquer first and let that dry before adding more, thicker coats. Success! The handle was finished ages ago so it had a good long time to dry. It had suffered from woodworm at some point so it had to be filled and sanded multiple times before it was ready to paint. It's not perfect by any means but it looks OK now I think. At the end of the day it's only a frankie and the Coleman 99 generator is currently blocked but so far it looks OK. I've now proved to myself that I can achieve a reasonable 'coppertone' finish so that will be used on my 169K once I've got this lantern working.
Thanks guys. I'd love to find a genuine Nagel Chase burner but the chances aren't great to be honest, but if I get it working I'll be over the moon!
That’s a proper job @ColinG you must be very happy with the finish on that lamp. Cheers Pete P.S. I just noticed that my Australian flag has been replaced by the Italian flag cos I’m in Rome as I write this post.
We do and next year we plan to be in Scotland, Colin will fill you in, hopefully we will be able to meet up. @Jean J
