[pianotech] Scratched Lid

[pmc033 at earthlink.net]

Hi, Rob:
	You will need to have buffing equipment to take care of this.  The finish
is probably polyester (maybe urethane), and using any kind of liquid polish
most likely won't remove any scratches.  If you can feel any scratch with
your fingernail, it will have to be sanded and then buffed.  If you want
some more info, you can call me to discuss.  
	Paul McCloud
	San Diego 
	(858) 581-6744


> [Original Message]
> From: Rob McCall <rob at mccallpiano.com>
> To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 08/20/2009 7:52:06 PM
> Subject: [pianotech] Scratched Lid
>
> Greetings all,
>
> Today, I spent nearly 4 hours cleaning and repairing a 12 year old  
> Yamaha GH1 for a High School. I don't think this thing has been  
> cleaned in the entire 12 years! Also, all the screws on both main lid  
> hinges were stripped.  I fixed them using the paper towel /  
> cyanoacrylate trick I learned from this list when I first  
> joined!  :-)  They ended up being very tight and turned out  
> beautifully. (Thanks!)
>
> Well, the insides now look, as told to me by the choir director,  
> "brand new!" Next, I'm going back on Saturday to tune the piano and do  
> some minor repair work including what I'm describing below.
>
> The problem I want to address now has to do with the surface of the  
> lid.  It has a plethora of tiny scratches from, well... years of HS  
> kids putting stuff on it, etc.  I'd like to be able to do some work  
> and make it look as good as I can. And yes, they are paying me to do  
> all this extra work.  :-)
>
> I've attached a photo where hopefully you can see the extent of the  
> scratches. What you're looking at is the reflection of the overhead  
> lights in the surface of the main lid.
>
> Does anyone have a technique or a secret potion they use to get rid of  
> the scratches without destroying the finish? It's a polished ebony  
> finish.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Rob McCall
> Murrieta, CA
>