Another helmet I have been working on from JR 88. This job was supposed to be a "simple fix a depressed shell top" so the spike fits properly. Unfortunately, there can be surprises with 100 year old leather and shellac finish. Originally as you will see there were some bubbles in the finish, however, by my wetting the area most of the finish on the top of the shell loosened and had to be peeled off. So, now we are into a major refinish job. Some photos:
It looked pretty simple in the beginning.
These creases in the shell are hard to fix but we are going to give it a try.
And then things get a bit more difficult....!
All pieces of original finish were saved as much as possible.
Why?? Because we are going to use them.
All "bald areas" have to be sanded before new finish is applied. This roughens the surface so that the new finish will stick better. More pictures to follow.
It looked pretty simple in the beginning.
These creases in the shell are hard to fix but we are going to give it a try.
And then things get a bit more difficult....!
All pieces of original finish were saved as much as possible.
Why?? Because we are going to use them.
All "bald areas" have to be sanded before new finish is applied. This roughens the surface so that the new finish will stick better. More pictures to follow.