It is general practice to lacquer the two plates and the pendulum with special lacquer. Various shades are available depending on the style and shade of case. Colourless is used for carriage clocks and 'All brass' clocks. The remaining shades are used with wooden cases, with dark woods having dark gold lacquer. Never lacquer the wheels.

Apply the lacquer with a swab of cotton wool very thinly. The lacquer is very quick drying and any second attempt will leave traces of cotton wool behind. If you make a mistake, remove the lacquer with methylated spirits and start again. Leave for at least 12 hours to harden.

A more recent method involves the use of wax polishes containing a high percentage of Carnauba Wax such as Clockshine. It is simpler to apply and unlike flammable lacquers, can be sent in the ordinary mail.

Repairing Your Own Clocks by Mervyn Passmore