Finish Question

[Guy, Karen, and Tor Nichols]

Ken,
	There's a bunch of different things you could do, but you asked for
"quick". So, the quickest way I know of is a two-step "psuedo-detailing"
for old uprights with a crazed finish. (that's ok, so am I)

ONE: Use a dark (when applicable, like most of the time) scratch cover like
Old English or better yet some analine dye (alchohol based is better than
water based) to darken any light spots or stuff stuck in the grain. Use a
rag and q-tips. Get all the seams and cracks. Just let it set, don't buff
or wipe.

TWO: Use lemon oil with a rag or polyfoam brush to saturate the entire
surface. Not keys or insides, of course. Watch out for drips and runs, but
be liberal with the application. After that sets for a while..... more than
30 minutes, use 0000 steel wool and more oil to go over the whole surface.
Let that set for a while, and then wipe off. Ta Da.

Have fun,
Guy Nichols, RPT






At 10:31 PM 7/29/99 -0400, you wrote:
>List,
> I occasionally get an old upright that, with minimal regulating effort, is
>a decent entry-level piano. I enjoy that aspect of the work. As a
>non-refinisher, my question is, are there any quick ways to clean and
>polish an old 'alligatored' shellac finish to make it presentable? Some
>people actually like the aged look, (I'm one), but would like to see more
>shine and color. I've tried denatured alcohol to reamalgamate(?) the finish
>in the past, but that is rather risky, at least when one considers how easy
>it is to completely ruin it, and my lack of refinishing abilities. First of
>all what is the best way to get the dirt out of the cracked finish?
>Degreasers? Solvents? Murphys? Then, is sanding always necessary?  Do any
>polishes help bring the wood tone through the finish? Any suggestions
>greatly appreciated.
>Ken Jankura
>Newburg, PA
> 
> 
>