[pianotech] finishing a plate

Fri Feb 26 10:50:16 MST 2010

List,

This thread has given me a wealth of information.  As you all know, one never knows on this list if others will come out with a bible in there hand or a flame thrower.  thank you for all the help and I will proceed carefully.

William

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joseph Garrett 
  To: Brian Trout ; pianotech 
  Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 11:38 AM
  Subject: Re: [pianotech] finishing a plate

  Brian,
  Since the first complete rebuild, I've tried to find the answer to not chipping or "squirming" the new finish on plates! I've tried just about every method of gilding imaginable. Some are slightly less of a problem than others. One thing I like to do is finish the plate, plop it in, bolt it down and start stringing immediately. That way the lacquer is still "soft". That will eliminate "chipping". However, as you say, the duplex bars and plates can be problematic if I do it that way. The opposite gives makes the finish susceptible to "chipping" but allows a certain amount of "adjusting" of the duplex thingees. I believe it's a no win situation. I usually do the later system, as I'm not that speedy with stringing. This means I have become quite good at repairing the chips. Along with all of this is the application of the lettering with the Mohawk Pen. If you try to do that while the lacquer is still soft, it will bleed a bit! Yikes! DAMHI KT!!!! Also, the application of wire size numbers and serial numbers and model letters/numbers. Tis' complicated to be sure. In short, (really long winded today!<G>), I don't think there is an answer to you question. However, I'm looking forwar to hearing from the rest of the list. Y'all seem to amaze and suprise me on a regular basis.<G>
  Regards,
  Joe

  Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon)
  Captain, Tool Police
  Squares R I

    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Brian Trout 
    To: joegarrett at earthlink.net
    Sent: 2/25/10 9:55:10 AM 
    Subject: RE: [pianotech] finishing a plate

    Joe, I agree whole heartedly with your post.

    I do have a question, though, as if someone is gonna go ahead and refinish a plate, this question is gonna come up, at least with some brands of noteriety...

    How hard is your finish?  The reason for the quesiton is, how do you handle the backscale area?  S&S uses the backscale termination bars.  M&H uses individual aliquots (sp?).  Some techs go so far as to tune the backscale with those things.  

    I've seen plates that had thick coats of finish in that area and beautiful clear coats only to see the aliquots or bars make a total mess of the finish.  It's amazing how fluid some finishes are and how those individual aliquots will "swim" and "squirm" as a piano gets strung leaving a mess hard enough to get to look like anything decent  let alone actually move those little things around with an y precision and expect them to stay there.

    Maybe not directly in line with the question at hand, but like I said, it's likely a question that's gonna come up.  

    Whatcha think?  Any methods you've used?  Do you calculate where they'll be and stick 'em on the plate before finishing?  Go very thin on the finish in that area?  Use a finish that will harden enough that those things stay on top?  I've tended towards very thin finish there but would be curious as to what others think.

    Brian

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: joegarrett at earthlink.net
    To: pianotech at ptg.org
    Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:16:20 -0800
    Subject: Re: [pianotech] finishing a plate

    William,
    I have seen some really nice plates done with "rattle cans". However, I've seen a whole bunch of nasty looking plates done with "rattle cans" also. It does take some expertise and diligence. My shop teacher told us: A finish is only as good as the preparation of the surface to be finished." That is the key factor, IMNSHO!<G> I have done 2 plates that way. One that had major chemical contamination. The entire plate was sanded, (almost to the metal). Then, it was coated with Shellac. Then it was primered with a thick primer, (Black). Then wet sanded to be as soft as a baby's behind. Then, several coats of a very good Spray Paint Gold, (There are many and varied choices in this category). Lastly, the whole plate was coated with an Acrylic Clear, (don't recall the name, but that really gave the plate a "finished" look.<G>
    Hope that helps.
    Regards,
    Joe

    Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon)
    Captain, Tool Police
    Squares R I

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