[pianotech] bringing polyester gloss down to satin

[David Love]

I'll have to ask the local finisher that does this how they do it as I've seen the results and they looked just fine.  I can't say that they look exactly like a Steinway finish but it certainly didn't turn anything white.  

I'll get back to you on the details.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul McCloud
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 10:23 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] bringing polyester gloss down to satin

The problem with polyester and "satinizing" is that the polyester becomes white when sanded.  You can experiment with it and see.  The appearance is not pleasing as it is in lacquer.  I could speculate on why that is, maybe because lacquer is much softer, and sanding/rubbing/wooling on poly doesn't work as well.  In the end, if you look at it, it doesn't come out the same.  For many years, my job description was doing touchup on new pianos, and we had many instances where I was to rub out packing marks and such on new pianos.  As time went on, we began to see the polyester pianos coming in with lacquer sprayed over the polyester finish, especially because it did not look good.  Why they didn't just use lacquer all the way was a mystery to me, but whatever.  All I can say is, we been there, did that.  If you want to try, go for it.  You can do it easily, but it won't look like the usual satin black we know.  If you like it, more power to 'ya.
FWIW. YMMV.
Good luck.
Paul McCloud

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Love" <davidlovepianos at comcast.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 9:45:23 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] bringing polyester gloss down to satin

I've seen Yamaha pianos with Polyester finishes get satinized and the seem to look just fine.  

David Love
www.davidlovepianos.com


-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul McCloud
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 5:13 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] bringing polyester gloss down to satin

Hi, Jim:
Not so fast!  Yes, you can rub it out, but it will not look like a Steinway finish.  Manufacturers tried this, but it didn't look good.  Now they coat the polyester with lacquer and rub that out.  It looks much better that way.
Paul McCloud
San Diego

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Ialeggio" <jim at grandpianosolutions.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Friday, August 31, 2012 3:07:56 PM
Subject: [pianotech] bringing polyester gloss down to satin

Those out there with polyester finishing experience...I don't use the stuff, but a client wants to knock down the garish polyester black gloss to a satin...( I agree with him). Is there any reason why standard rubbing techniques like ultra fine scotchbrites/steel wool/or pumice wouldn't work?

Jim Ialeggio

-- 
Jim Ialeggio	
jim at grandpianosolutions.com
978 425-9026
Shirley Center, MA