I'm sure there are some toxic effects to working with polyester. Breathing the fumes is probably the most toxic aspect. I believe that epoxy fumes are more dangerous, though they don't smell as bad. I imagine a Google search would find a lot of information. So far, I've been using polyester for 20+ years, and I'm (hack, cough, wheeze) not dead. Yet. Also, the amount of polyester that is used in repairs is very small, maybe 1 or 2 table spoons. It's cured in 20 minutes or less. Just don't breathe deeply over the mixing cup. And don't mix too much hardener- it'll smoke! Just use some caution.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
----- Original Message -----
From: David and Jean Weiss
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: 04/19/2009 9:34:55 AM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] polyester repair
Regarding the recent discussion about polyester repair;
Are the materials toxic? I’ve sometimes thought about learning to repair polyester, but I wonder if there are negative health consequences to working with the material.
David Weiss
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Paul McCloud
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 8:04 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Additional Business Building Ideas (Besides YP)
Hi, Richard:
As with anything, you need to get your feet wet. Get a damaged polyester piece, order the polyester from Ruth Phillips along with the repair kit, and just follow the directions. The procedure is not difficult, but things don’t always turn out due to the nature of mixing small quantities of polyester. Temperature and humidity affect the curing of the material. Bubbles, voids, and other frustrating things happen, so sometimes you have to do it over. I’ve been doing poly repairs for about 20 years, and I still have some unexpected results. But I know what to do, no matter what happens. Begin with the black color, which is very forgiving. If you have a wood color (clear or tinted polyester) you are more likely to have color matching problems because the wood is sealed under the thick material. There is no way to recolor (accurately) the repair so it can’t be seen. It’s like encapsulating something under glass.
Ruth Phillips often teaches a class in polyester repair that is very helpful. You will learn a lot by doing the repair, and you’ll see it isn’t as hard as you might think. It can be a little messy. Just don’t spill the stuff (especially the dyes and pigments) on the carpet.
You will be investing some money in materials and buffing machinery. You can do a lot of repairs by hand, but a buffer will broaden your range of repairs immensely. There are many ways to go with the machines, and it depends upon how much you anticipate doing repairs. Believe me, you can make at least as much doing this as tuning and repairing pianos. Everything you invest will pay for itself in a short time. But, it does take time to be able to make consistent repairs in all kinds of situations.
If you have more time than work, and some time and funds to invest (between $500 -1000.), you can get set up. The hardest part is making the dam so the polyester doesn’t run out. There is a jellied polyester that they sell which will stay put, but it’s hard to use and messy, and the mixing of the color is sometimes uneven.
The bottom line is, anybody can do this. The key is following the directions exactly. With the right materials, the right machinery and the right techniques, you will have a skill that is profitable and needed by virtually every dealer in the world.
Good luck.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Richard Gullion
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 1:56 PM
To: Pianotech List
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Additional Business Building Ideas (Besides YP)
How hard to get good at poly repairs...any ideas on practice...info etc...I have had several dealers ask me about it...but didn't give much thought...maybe I should.
Richard the "Piano Guy"
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:51:10 -0500
From: behmpiano at gmail.com
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Additional Business Building Ideas (Besides YP)
Wim - I think the polyester repair idea is a winner, as far as adding to your business, especially if you would be the only provider available.
Here in Iowa, if I go 20 miles in any direction (as the crow flies, and let me tell you, we've got a lot of those) I would be in the middle of a corn field (or possibly soybeans).
By the way, when you lived in St. Louis did you ever visit the Twin Cities of the South - Festus and Crystal City - just south of St. Louis? That's actually where I first started tuning before we moved to Boone. Chuck
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