Refinishing

[Stephen W. Stout]

I received an inquiry as follows on refinishing the following piano,
from a customer.
She has a Brambach 4'-8" grand.  1925 year . The finish is walnut and
splotchy. Alligatored and cracking. " Prunish", and very "dry" faded
looking.

--------------dated 1-6-98--------------:

"Stephen,
Before you go farther- it's my understanding that stripping wood
(especially
vat stripping) is very bad for it, and that it can lower the value of
antique
pieces tremendously.  Also I have read that restoring a lacquered finish
needs
to be done with  mineral spirits, cheesecloth and fine steel wool, and
lots of
rubbing.While I realize my piano was not in the best of shape, I would
hate to
spend a lot more money on refinishing that would actually lower it's
value.
Please talk to some antique and piano restorers (not refinishers) and
get back
to me.
Thanks,
Susan"

----------


I have my thoughts about what "antique" represents here.  Could I have
some comments from you fellow professionals? So as to pass on?


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