Rubber and paint

[Radio Fixer]

I'm on the final stages of fitting out the Philips 753 motor tuned radio.

This includes the Magic Eye EM1.  Originally this pressed against the dial to which was glued a cut out felt pad.  Over the years the glue eats away the paint on the dial.   After making a new dial I dont want to repeat this method.

What I have done is to create a rubber ring from "self fusing rubber tape" wrapped around the eye tube.  This sits forward and if I use it will be in contact with the dial paint.

My question is will the rubber attack the paint ?  If it is likely could I paint the end with say shellac as a protective ?

thanks Gary

[ppppenguin]

It's a bit of a mug's game trying to predict interactions between polymers, paints etc. We know that PVC and polystyrene aren't happy neighbours. Also that natural rubber (non-vulcanised) will be badly damaged by hydrocarbons. Silicone rubbers are pretty inert, until they meet silicone oils.

Polythene is pretty safe with most plastics and finishes.Could you somehow slip a thin sheet between the eye and the dial?

[boater sam]

I would agree, a piece of polythene may act as a barrier.

But does it have to rest on the glass at all?  Could you simply locate it so that the glass and the TI don't touch?

[Radio Fixer]

Thanks for replies.  Think I will start with Sam's suggestion.  Working in the Philips Cap (the dial assembly that pivots) is very difficult and this might be the easier way to go.

Also the replacement Eye (been in stock for years and now almost unobtainable) is different having a recessed front end so keeping out light from the sides.  Both have the EM1 name.
   
   

Gary

[ppppenguin]

I would definitely second Sam's suggestion of keeping it away from the glass. My polythene idea seems a poor second best and I'd worry about any sort of rubbery stuff that might touch the dial paint.