Refinishing

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Pengelly:

For years we have heard about how special the varnish was which Stradivarius
used on his violins. Books have no doubt been written on the subject.

In regard to pianos, shellac sealer with one coat of varnish has been used
for soundboards for many years. Then cellulose laqcquer became popular
because of the faster drying times and ease of application. In Europe,
polyester resins became popular because of the nice shiny finish, Now
people are using water soluable lacquers, and varithane, etc.

It doesn't seem to make very much difference. I doubt that in a double blind
test there is anyone who can tell the difference just by sound.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

On Mon, 18 Jan 1999, Pengelly Pensione wrote:

> Hi folks, I have a 1912 Haines Bros 5' 1" grand that Ihave been rebuilding
> in my spare time and have come to the point of refinishing the nicks and
> scratches on the worst of the case parts. It is mahogany and the closest
> matching stain is special walnut made by Circa 1850, oil based. It suggests
> finishing with a topcoat of polyurethane. When I talked with a paint store
> manager friend of mine, he said that somewhere in the back of his mind he
> seemed to recall hearing that some finishes could block some of the sound
> but couldn't recall exactly which. Your thoughts greatly appreciated.
> John Pengelly
> Nelson, B.C.
> 
>