This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment David Skolnik asked: "Can someones say what they are currently using to = seal / finish soundboards=20 and what the pros & cons of this, or any other materials might be? Is = the=20 expectation that the finish will reduce the seasonal moisture=20 exchange? Does the nature of the particular material or the thickness = of=20 application affect the board's physical / tonal function?" Thanks David, Although, I will undoubtedly be shouted down, my method, I think, is = best. However, it is a lot of work and is not for the faint of heart. = The short version: 1. Seal the raw board with 1-2 coats of the highest = grade Spar Varnish you can obtain. (NOT Man O War!!!) The one that I = have been using is Val Spar Marine Varnish. It comes the closest to what = I would like to use, (Olde Style Marine Spar Varnish). Sand between = coats. You'll need to allow at least 3-4 days drying time. I prefer a = week. Otherwise it will gum up your sandpaper, big time. 2.Flecto = Varathane - "Professional", (Don't get their standard Varathane!), 2-3 = coats, sanding between coats, (2-3 days drying time). (Oh, I use = "Satin". Which is my preference. If you want to use Gloss, that's o.k. = It's an aesthetic thingee.<G>) 3. Once you have a thin, smooth finish, = apply 1-2 coats of Carnuba Wax, Buffed up vigourously! That's pretty much it. ONE major caveat, the board MUST be absolutely = flawless, before you put one drop of finish on it!!! My reasoning, for this system, is that I want a THIN Flexible finish = that will be easy to clean and will endure. I have seen boards with TOO = Thick a finish, which, IMO, tended to "choke" the tone, if not = completely Deaden it, as in one case of Polyester!!!Yikes!!! As for "Sealing" for better "stability", I don't think that is possible = and is not the major concern. TONE is THE major concern, IMHO. There are = those who like to put multiple coats of Lacquer on their boards. I have = found that I don't like the tone, compared to what I get out of my = system.<G> And then there are the "purists" that will only use Shellac. = To them I say what ever flips your Kilt up, but it is not a enduring as = Varnish. The secondary concern is to protect the wood from contaminants = and to LOOK nice. The Varnish gives Spruce a beautiful light golden = glow, that makes me all warm and fuzzy!<G> Finally, Do Not, Under Any Circumstances Strip the Board!!!!!!!! = (Scraping/Sanding only please.) Stripping tends to drive the olde = finish/contaminants into the wood pores! I further think that that sort = of extremely caustic stuff, deteriorates the wood itself! Just my = opinion/experience. Regards, Joe Garrett, R.P.T. Captain, Tool Police Squares R I ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: https://www.moypiano.com/ptg/pianotech.php/attachments/1b/64/38/f6/attachment.htm ---------------------- multipart/alternative attachment--
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