[Horace Greeley]

At 09:16 PM 1/4/96 -0700, you wrote:
>Alright all you cybertechs... after spending the better part of a day
>refinishing a set of ebony sharps, there has *got* to be a better way. For
>years I have been sanding the keys to restore the shape of the sharps,
>removing the old finish in the process. Then I used to use a black NGR stain
>once the keys had been smoothed out. The problem with the stains that I was
>using was that they left a purplish hue that had to be steel wooled out,
>much like a magic marker leaves behind. Then I would use a paste wax to seal
>in the stain. This process works about 60% of the time as a permanent
>refinish. The biggest problem is the stain sometimes comes off the keys onto
>the naturals (and fingers) after a few months of playing. This process is
>also extremely labour-intensive. I have recently switched to using spray
>lacquers for a more even finish, but the result resembles plastic and hides
>the ebony grain. Also, lacquer has a tendency to fish-eye if the wood is not
>*extremely* free from grease/oil.
>
>What do you folks do to keep your naturals looking sharp??
>
>
>
>Rob Kiddell
>C.A.P.T.
>P.T.G. Associate
>Edmonton, AB, Canada
>

Rob,

I'm really old-fashioned, I guess.  I do the first part of the process as
you suggest, right up to the dye.  Then French polish several coats.  Yup,
it's labor intensive, but pianists love it.

Best,

Horace
Horace Greeley, RPT
Piano Technician & Consultant
The Colburn School of Performing Arts
Los Angeles, CA
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