Restoring exquisite antique radiator covers?

david_and_heather

My house has four of these incredible radiator covers. That's metal, with some kind of paint applied to give them a wood pattern. The previous owner told me that they were original to the house.

Unfortunately, either she or an earlier owner appear to have placed beverages on two of the radiators, resulting in destruction of the pattern on the top of the covers. There is also some white paint splatter. And my 3-year-old daughter has made it a habit of assaulting the covers whenever she wishes to demonstrate her displeasure.

I have no idea how this pattern was even created, let alone how one would go about repairing the damage. But I would love to restore these to their original glory. Anyone know a company that does such things? For that matter, does anyone know where these radiator covers came from in the first place, and how they were made?

If it helps, the house was build in 1924, renovated in 1958, and is near Newark, NJ.

pecmsg

If you can find one...…….Cabinet Maker

Any finishing carpenter should be capable of restoring those.

Very nice By the Way

david_and_heather

@pecmsg even though they are made of metal? I don't think there's actually any wood involved--just some kind of paint or coating that makes it look like wood.

pecmsg

david_and_heather said:

@pecmsg even though they are made of metal? I don't think there's actually any wood involved--just some kind of paint or coating that makes it look like wood.

Was not aware of that. Now you need an experienced painter or possibly one of these

They make fancier ones. A tin knocker can cut and insert

Grallert

You'll probably find it hard to repair the faux wood finish but there are people who still practice the craft of faux wood painting. might need the refinish the whole surface. That's all I have.

Snowmelt

what about a local art school, right now there shut for the virus, but I am sure if you give a art school a donation they would hook you up.

Jamie Hall

"faux wood". Very popular at one time. There are craftspeople out there who know how to do it (sorry, I don't have a recommendation). I do know that it isn't easy.. until you get the hang of it. As, @pecmsg suggested, maybe a cabinet maker could -- or would know someone who could.

david_and_heather

Thanks all!