Clear poly repair

[Paul McCloud]

I read the article in the latest Journal.  It doesn't cover how to build
a dam to hold the polyester on a vertical surface.  I would get the
Konig polyester kit from Ruth Phillips.  I think it has the mylar sheet
that you will need to make dams with.  Take a pocket knife and scrape
each of the chipped areas so the edges of the repair are smooth and
there is about a 45 degree angle into the damaged area.  Cut a piece of
mylar sheet and tape it over the area with clear tape.  Keep the top of
the sheet open so you can drool the polester into the pocket.  Be sure
the tape is tight on the other 3 sides so it doesn't leak.  If your
chips are close together, you can use 1 piece of mylar, otherwise cut
more pieces and tape them too.  Cut your sheet just big enough to cover
the damage.
Mix your poly and dribble it in with a stick.  You might have to hold
the top edge slightly away from the surface so the poly will slide down
and fill your pocket.  Mix the poly carefully so there will not be any
bubbles.  I usually tip the mixing cup and let the resin come up near
the lip where I've put a small dab of hardener.  Then I use a stick to
mash the hardener and resin together before I mix the whole thing
together like a cement mixer (cup is still tipped).  Use the stick to
scrape the sides of the cup and SLOWLY turn the cup, so you won't
introduce any bubbles.  I've never had much luck getting rid of bubbles
after they are in there.  
Next months' Journal article, part 2, is going to be how to sand and
finish the repair.  If you get the poly kit from Ruth, there will be
instructions with it how to do this.  It's not difficult.
	Hope this helps.
	Paul McCloud
	San Diego

-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On
Behalf Of Paul Chick (EarthLink)
Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2002 7:21 PM
To: pianotech@ptg.org
Subject: Clear poly repair

List Members

A dealer asked me to look at and repair if possible the nicked edge of a
Young Chang Grand finished in mahogany, high gloss polyester.  A display
was
tipped against the lid and left about a dozen chips and dents along the
edge.  The spots range from 2 to 15 mm in size; the wood was not
damaged.
I've done a few small clear poly touch ups with CA, but never anything
this
extensive. Do any of the finishers/spot finishers on the list have
successful tricks for repairing clear gloss poly, or can you recommend
someone?

Thanks!

Paul Chick

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