general finishing question

Mark Potter bases-loaded76@sbcglobal.net
Mon, 21 Feb 2005 16:20:45 -0800 (PST)


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Terry <terry@farrellpiano.com> wrote:Hi Mark,
 
If you stain before filling grain, when sanding the dried grain filler, how do you avoid sanding through the shellac and/or stain? I seem to be grain-fill/stain challanged! Are you using water based grain filler?
 
Hi Terry - 
I have used both water-based filler and solvent-based filler, and either way, sanding the stuff without sanding thru the color IS a challenge that requires constant vigilance while sanding.  I wish I had a magic word or two to pass on to you, but I don't.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, sanding the filler in the exact same manner that you sanded the bare wood is a necessary starting point.
 
When you don't use grain filler, how many coats of top-coat do you find is required to get a level finish - or do you live with the grain depressions in this approach?
 
Naturally all woods are not identical, but generally I would say that mahogany sanded to 220, dyed and sealed with at least a 2lb cut of shellac, will require app. 6 total applied coats of water-based material to fill the grain.  I just sprayed one last week where I stopped at 5 total coats of water-based, and there is the ever-so-slight amount of grain showing, a look I have warmed to of late.
 
Mark
 
Terry Farrell


Greg Newell <gnewell@ameritech.net> wrote: 
Mark,
So during the finishing process is when you re-add the missing 
filler and stain, right?

Greg Newell

Hi Greg -

Yes.  First I would use dyes to get the color I want, then seal them with a wash coat of shellac.  If I AM gonna use filler that would be next, although oftentimes I don't use it.  Then, if necessary, a few very thin toning coats (tinted shellac, usually) on miscellaneous pieces to even up the color ( and, BTW, this does NOT have to make the finish look muddy, as you earlier suggested!), then on with the coats of finish.

Mark Potter


At 06:06 AM 2/18/2005, you wrote:
>Greg Newell wrote:
>
>When those of you who do, refinish a piano do you remove the filler during
>the stripping process?
>
>Hi Greg - It is not a "goal", per se, for me. Whatever volunteers to 
>come out during the stripping process, as well as the rinsing and 
>scrubbing with maroon scotchbrite or #1 steel wool, is the extent of my 
>endeavors in this regard. I then sand with 150 - 220 and start the 
>finishing process.
>
>No brass brushes for me...
>
>Mark Potter

Greg Newell
Greg's piano Forté
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net 


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