The pedal plates are most likely lacquered and may even be two part clear polyurethane. Either way, this stuff is hard to get off with a buffing wheel. The sure fire way to get whatever it is off is to use the spray on aircraft paint remover. I have gotten it at Walmart or auto stores in 16 oz spray cans. It is the most aggressive paint remover and won't hurt the lacquer. You can then buff them with a medium cut buffing compound on a wheel to get out most of the pits. For non-commercial locations, I like to finish off with White Diamond polish which gives a really high polish that looks like gold and has a tarnish inhibitor so it lasts a long time. Spraying it again with lacquer is no doubt more protective but decreases the shine considerably. Krylon sells a lacquer specifically for polished brass. I am not sure it is better than any other lacquer though. Be sure to get any waxy buffing compound off before spraying with lacquer. Use acetone or lacquer thinner. Doug Gregg Classic Piano Doc Southold, NY 11971
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