Dials I’ve sprayed with Paraloid B‑72. A few folks have asked what this does: it’s a conservation‑grade consolidant archivists use on paintings and other art. I’m running it at about 5% B‑72 in acetone; the solvent flashes off fast and leaves a very thin, almost invisible protective skin over the dial.
These four are “keepers” – the rest were sacrificial practice pieces. The Orient’s printing is completely intact; that wild lacquer damage was actively eroding, and B‑72 has locked it in so it can’t keep flaking. The Bulova RR dial used to shed paint every time I touched the edge; now it’s safe to handle and hasn’t lost any more.
The Nisus (WWII dial with confirmed radium lume) was much worse than it looks now – the B‑72 actually improved contrast and legibility and brought the minute track back a bit. And the Omega Seamaster dial had sticky, breaking‑down lacquer that grabbed dust and grime; now the patina is frozen in place instead of collecting new gunk. It’s not bulletproof, but with normal care these dials should stay exactly where they are instead of slowly disappearing.
