Glazing versus stripping/staining?

[Scott M Perry]

Hi, all -

I'm rehabbing an old view camera, and am pondering what to do with the finish. I don't like the faded, tired looking wood (ID still pending) and want to add some color. I'm considering two options - stripping and sanding to bare wood, then adding a dye stain, or level the finish and glaze over it. I have zero experiences with glazes, though. Anyone in the know have any suggestions about which would be easier to achieve a nice look?

Thanks,
Scott

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/8727792356_989c018b9c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/8727792356/)
i1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott--/8727792356/) by Scott -- (http://www.flickr.com/people/scott--/), on Flickr

[Howard Acheson]

If you think the cameral has any antique value, you should have it looked at by someone who knows old cameras. For antiques, re-finishing can sometimes cause a significant reduction in value.

Let me say that if you go ahead with re-finishing you will have to completely remove the prior finish. That would necessitate disassembling all the metal components. Leaving any residual finish will likely cause uneven coloring of any new stain.

I personally would not consider glazing. Glazing will highlight any scratches or defects in the current finish.

[Howard Acheson]

Here is a guy I have worked with on some finishing problems on another forum. He builds and sells those types of cameras. I would contact him and see what he can suggest.

http://www.guillorycameras.com/

[Scott M Perry]

Thanks, Howard. I've been restoring antique view camera (of which this is not an antique) for about 10 years. This is the first I've wanted to change the color of. I'm leaning toward toning with tinted shellac now.