How to Restore Clock Dials

Remove clock dials to get to the backing if it is worn or damaged. Place a cap-full of acetone on the side; use clear nail polish remover, which contains acetone. Place a handful of cotton swabs next to the acetone.

Dip one swab in the acetone, blot onto a paper towel to remove the excess, and begin cleaning the clock dial backing to remove caked-on layers of dirt and old varnish. Use a fresh swab and repeat the process as needed, carefully wiping around numerals or in-laid parts that are still intact or glued onto the clock.

Repaint the worn numerals with a high quality black India type ink. Use an artist calligraphy pen and dip it into the ink. Remove excess ink by tapping against the edge of the ink bottle.

Replace the entire clock dial if it is completely worn. Use the original for a template, if possible. Trace the old template onto the new metal before cutting. Use a homemade turning table and a professional pin stripping tool to cut out a new clock dial in the same size from thin sheet metal made for clock faces. Wear protective goggles while cutting, just in case any loose pieces of metal become detached from the cutout while the tool is in operation.

Cut a small circle in the center for the dial to fit into. Make sure the circle is the same size as original cut out.

Apply numerals to the new cutout. Use a stencil with numerals on it to get a professional look, and space the numerals out evenly around the clock. Measure with a ruler the spacing in between numerals to determine how far apart to space the numbers. Use a different clock and measure in-between the numerals to get an idea. Let the ink completely dry, and apply a clear varnish over the numerals to seal the ink. Use a waterproof varnish made for clock surfaces or metal.

Attach the face dial with an epoxy metal glue designed for clocks. Apply small dots of glue to the back of the clock throughout the entire surface and press firmly in place. Hold for a few seconds and let the glue dry.

Clean rusted clock dial hands by soaking them in rust remover until the rust lifts, or replace them with new clock hands. Make sure the inner mechanisms of the clock work in conjunction with the new dials, once fitted.