[pianotech] Refinishing ebony sharps - methods used?

[Chuck Behm]

Hi everyone - I've been asked to write an article for the Journal
describing procedures for refinishing sharps, and I would like some
input. The segment will follow a 3 part series on putting on molded
keytops which will run this next spring, which I do all the time and I
am very comfortable writing about.

With my techniques for refinishing sharps, however, I'm sure there are
other methods which work as well or better than what I do. I generally
use Sharp Black, sold by Schaff, after stripping off the old finish,
or I spray with a Krylon brand satin paint. Or, in the case of nice
looking ebony, I'll use a polish on the wood without a black finish to
hide the grain.

There were several alternative methods to refinish sharps which ran
back in December 2008  (check out the archives for that month under
"Refinishing Ebony Sharps") which I intend to try out. If anyone
recalls another related thread, I would love to read it over.

If anyone has methods that work well in addition to these techniques,
would you please consider posting them to the list?  I have a half
dozen old sets of keys in the shop, and what I would like to do is try
each technique described on an octave worth of sharps to compare the
results. It would be helpful if you mention specific product names
used in your process, so that I can purchase and try those exact
products. If I do try your method, I will credit your technique in the
Journal article if so desired (just mention in your post if I may use
your name in the article).

One thing interesting about this website is that it shows time and
time again that for many problems there are more than one solution.
That this is a community of individuals who are there when needed is
such a positive thing.

Thanks in advance for your help with this topic. I have a March
deadline on writing this up, so the sooner I have some methods to try
out, the better. Chuck Behm