Soundboard restoration

[td6122@rncb.ac.uk]

Frank

You need to rid some blemishes from a sound-board. How you do this
depends on what they are. If they are dents, then the best way is to
raise them (sweat out the bruise) by gently ironing the area with a
hot clothes iron through a damp cloth. Most small indentations can be
eradicated this way. Go gently, and if the tecnique is new to you,
PRACTICE ON SCRAP FIRST!! The fibres will be raised, so after
allowing the wood to dry for a few hours, cut back with a cabinet
makers scraper and finish with flour grade paper in the direction of
the grain. NEVER scrape after sanding - abrasive dust caught in the
wood will ruin the fine edge on the tool and can leave marks. Some
small scratches can be removed this way.

Deeper scratches cut the wood fibres, often chunks are removed, and
musr be scraped and then sanded as above. You will need to re-finish
the wood after sanding. If you use a slow-drying varnish or finish of
any type it will end up rough, due to dust sticking on it. When
thoroughly dry, gently rub down with VERY fine wire-wool) grade 000
or 0000) IN THE DIRECTION OF THE GRAIN and lube the wool with a
little wax. Plastic abrasives (Scotchbrite in England) are even
better.

Hope this helps

Tony Dart