Hi, Rob: I used black automotive acrylic enamel on two or three pianos, including a Steinway Vertegrand about 10 years ago (I don't remember if I catalyzed it or not). Seems good for your application. You might prep the existing finish by sanding and filling as needed, and use a catalyzed polyester primer like Evercoat (I don't remember who makes Evercoat's poly primer now, but it is available at auto paint stores. This buffers between non-compatible finishes and creates better film strength, I believe, but you have to sand it, too; somewhat time-consuming. A quickie method would be to use non-sanding primer instead. Then shoot finish coats of acrylic enamel - only takes a half hour or 45 minutes! You can color sand the next day through the grit sizes, with a final rubbing like a piano finish in satin. It is still softer than lacquer. If you wait a few weeks it is harder and more like lacquer, and you can machine polish to high gloss. More so if catalyzed (catalyst delays machine sanding a little longer, but results in a harder film). If acrylic enamel is not in the sun (such as on your car in the driveway), it will not oxidize, and should not check. It has pretty good film strength, and should seal the wood from moisture changes much better than lacquer. It is very nasty stuff, requires good environmental management and respiratory protection. I shot it without a mask once and nearly died - allergic reaction. I'm not as smart any more either (was really smart before). If you go high polish you will either leave the finish as you shot it (with whatever orange peel or even flow you achieved) or you will have to machine sand and polish. Imperfections show, so your work (prep) has to be very good. Satin rubbing is more forgiving. A dealer friend used to always shoot grand pianos with acrylic enamel, very fast. I haven't done much finishing lately, but want to try this with an HVLP gun someday. Let us know what you learn, and what you do - Bill Shull University of Redlands, La Sierra University, Riverside City College In a message dated 00-03-14 00:55:18 EST, you write: << As I was working on this project today a thought occurred to me. What would it be like to apply an automotive finish to a piano? Polyester seems to be impractical for the small shop if you want a glossy finish, but a glossy automotive finish might be the ticket. It would be harder than lacquer, more resistant to scratches, and have a poly-like appearance. It would also be a more practical and workable material to spray in a small shop. Anybody ever experimented with this? What do you think? Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV >>
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