Bryans Nudist Colony (Ant Viewer)

[widget2k4]

Cheers Paul.
I have looked at them pictures and they are not original finishes on them.
Bryans only did them in two colours I believe?

I have no intentions of putting ants into it haha - it's just going to be a show-piece.

[coppinpr]

That's a pity, you could put it on a platform...sort of "ant & Deck"

I think the crackle finish was a late Bryans option (not that you're going to use that) as there is an original black and white photo on Melvyn's Bryans website. There are also photos there of the green and the blue, and the four different info card options.

[widget2k4]

Wouldn't mind doing it crackle but I read the original flyer and it said it only came in two colours. Mine was gold underneath but not sure if original?

[pennymachines]

Yep, the flecked gold is original.

[coppinpr]

You can get good flecked gold spray paint these days.

[widget2k4]

Not seen flecked gold paint - will have a look for some.

[pennymachines]

I'd be amazed if you found anything in a bottle that looks like the original finish. More likely you'll have to find a good match for the gold (Rustoleum Gold Mirror spray looks close, but you can't tell from an online image), then improvise some method of applying the dark fleck over the top.

[bryans fan]

This is my machine

[bryans fan]

This is one that was in Coventry Auction (I think).

[coppinpr]

now Im defiantly not saying any of these are the right color or the right texture because I dont know what the original is like but they deserve a look.

plastikote do a stone finish range but the texture might not be right
rustolium do a metal flake range
VHT to a gold engine paint in a flake finish
Kustom Kans do a gold metal flake

Plastikote also do a crackle gold finish

like I said ,they are worth a look as they work well

[widget2k4]

Thanks, I'm going to have a go at making my own gold fleck paint and see what happens. A bit of experimenting to get the black spots is going to be the hard part I think.

[pennymachines]

Yes, I think that's the best approach.

The products Paul suggested would make a nice finish which some would be happy with, but not the purists. Original finish is always favourite of course but if, as on your machine, that's gone, second favourite is to reproduce the original as faithfully as possible.

BF's pictures suggest the fleck was laid over the gold quite crudely by hand. One way of doing this is to dip a stiff brush (toothbrush or something larger) in the paint and riffle the bristles so small blobs fly off in irregular patterns.

[widget2k4]

I will have a bit of a play with it. I managed the Allsport fleck with a small wire brush dipped in paint and a screwdriver to flick it. lol

[bryans fan]

Thanks, I'm going to have a go at making my own gold fleck paint and see what happens, a bit of experimenting to get the black spots is going to be the hard part I think

Is the RIGHT ANSWER. I have seen many a Bullion ruined with plastikote stonefleck paint.
I believe the fleck paint finish was hand done. Flicking a toothbrushes bristles loaded with paint is, I understand the method of choice.
Finishes like on the double top cabinet were I think a suspension of coloured flecks in a medium. Used I seem to remember on public toilet walls.
My advice, as always, remains , only re paint a machine if absolutely necessary. They are only original once. I prefer conservation to restoration.
lots of "thinking" and vague remembering there!!!
But I might be wrong I often am!!!

[widget2k4]

Well in my case if they don't look pretty and clean they can't get in the house lol, and I wasn't left much choice as there was no bottom left in it and there wasn't much left of the door.
What was the hole in the front for behind the artwork?

[bryans fan]

I don't know. Nor does another learned gentleman from this forum. But there must be reason for it or Mr Bryan wouldn't have put it there.

[widget2k4]

Fire escape for the ants perhaps?

[coppinpr]

try experimenting with a can of black turned upside down at different distances from the test piece, only an option,im not saying the best option just that it does work with practice

[widget2k4]

Will give it a go

[JC]

This is one that was in Coventry ( I think)

Yes, it was. I photographed it in my back garden, on behalf of the vendor. It was all original, and probably the best original ant viewer I've ever seen.