[pianotech] Soundboard Lacquer Finish

Nick Gravagne gravagnegang at att.net
Thu Mar 19 17:31:20 PDT 2009


Hello All,

 

Seeing Dale's B board prompted me to get your take on a finishing schedule
for lacquer on soundboards (Sitka, if it matters). Currently finishing a M&H
BB board, which has not yet been installed on rim.

 

Thus far:

 

Board has been sanded to 220 grit, sealed and colored with shellac flakes
and lacquer thinner (tawny - amber look), raised grain scrubbed with pads,
two wet coats of high solids lacquer sanding sealer wet-sanded out, one
heavy wet coat of high solids semi-gloss lacquer (amber) wet sanded to 400
grit and steel-wooled to even out. Will go higher on the grits and wet work
depending on suggestions. 

 

In the old days I used to use abrasive powders such as pumice followed by
rottenstone. Are these now out of vogue? 

 

Now, it looks pretty darn good as a sort of satin-sheeny thing, but what
else do some of you suggest? The final appearance I am looking for is
somewhat glossier than it is now, but not necessarily high sheen. What about
paste polishing in the final step? Use of electric polishers? Etc.

 

Thanks!

 

Nick Gravagne, RPT

Piano Technicians Guild

Member Society Manufacturing Engineers

Voice Mail 928-476-4143

 

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