<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:dt="uuid:C2F41010-65B3-11d1-A29F-00AA00C14882" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered medium)"><style></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#000000" vlink="#000000"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Glad you liked it Dale. I forgot to mention that these are urethane paints. If you decide to use the universal matting agents, stir it incredibly well and strain it through filters. Otherwise you may get some specks in the finish this way too. They are called universal because they can be used with many paints. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Like you, dust is a problem for me too. All you can do is clean your spray area really well and perhaps even mop the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>I don’t know if my paint selections are the best, and I am sure there are other good paints. A good paint guy to advise you on compatibility and performance characteristics is really important. These materials can get really expensive, and we get what we pay for. Too cheap is just as bad here as anywhere else, and it is important to find the sweet spot of quality performance without spending $500 a gallon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='color:black'>I want to test some good pearls on a panel before I do my next plate. There is a company </span><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#595959'><a href="http://www.paintwithpearl.com/candy/pwp307/pwp307.htm"><u><span style='color:blue'>http://www.paintwithpearl.com/candy/pwp307/pwp307.htm</span></u></a>></span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#595959'> </span><span style='color:black'>that sells 25 oz. bags of various golds for $11.00., so it is worth experimenting. Good taste and restraint is the operative word here. I’m going after that million dollar old money look. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='color:black'>Will</span><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Dale Erwin<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, May 08, 2012 10:19 PM<br><b>To:</b> pianotech@ptg.org<br><b>Subject:</b> Re: [pianotech] plate finishing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:navy'>Hi Will<br>  Wow...you must a been a fly on our wall  this week. Thanks for the detailed information. We may try this asap.<br> As one who has struggled at times with the plate spray procedure this sounds quite predictable and with finishes, that's really what I am looking for is a predictable outcome.<br>  The problem I've had with Poly urethane clear coats is that they attract dust like a magnet. So even with a spotless environment, inevitably there is a the dust. So how was that defeated in you process?<br>We ahve used acrylic lacquer for 14 years & most the time I like it. The clear is easy to mange by a clean room and wetting the floor. Spray and get out. No fan till it flashes off ten minutes later.<br>  Our process is very similar to yours and its generally easy to touch up and fairly idiot proof. But on occasion Murphy comes a round and then I'm unhappy.<br><br>Murphys my Uncle<br>Dale<br><br><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:mediumblue'>Dale Erwin... RPT</span></b><b><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:black'><br></span></b><b><i><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:black'>Mason & Hamlin/Steinway/U.S pianos<br><a href="http://www.Erwinspiano.com"><span style='color:windowtext'>www.Erwinspiano.com</span></a></span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:darkgreen'><br></span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:crimson'>209-577-8397</span></i></b><b><i><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:darkgreen'><br></span></i></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:darkgreen'><br><tt> </tt></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Courier New";color:navy'><br><tt>  </tt></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>-----Original Message-----<br>From: Encore Pianos <<a href="mailto:encorepianos@metrocast.net"><span style='color:windowtext'>encorepianos@metrocast.net</span></a>><br>To: pianotech <<a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org"><span style='color:windowtext'>pianotech@ptg.org</span></a>><br>Sent: Tue, May 8, 2012 6:44 pm<br>Subject: [pianotech] plate finishing<o:p></o:p></span></p><div id="AOLMsgPart_2_89d13f67-5184-4fe5-a93b-1606ccd621c1"><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><img border=0 width=303 height=183 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.jpg@01CD2DA6.5734EDC0"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Recently I revisited my plate finishing process for my rebuilds and have made some changes to my process.  I am using automotive paints and primers.  While these materials are more expensive than throwing some plate gold into a can of Nitro lacquer, they will give a better finish and are more durable.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Automotive paints are more evolved than the lacquers that we use in our case finishing.  But it’s a big industry and can be confusing when trying to find your way to good products that will best meet your particular needs.  It is invaluable to be able to deal with an experienced  paint pro at the automotive finishing department at your local auto parts store.  I spent a lot of time talking with a fellow named Joe Red Cloud, whose been doing this stuff for 25 years, and he has done (and still does) auto painting on the side.  His wife runs the video store in my town and I have known him for years.  He is a film buff like me, so I was lucky to have a very friendly helping hand to guide me.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>It is important to have a clear sense of what you want the paints to do for you.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>I started using auto paints 10 years or so ago when I was having some adhesion problems that persisted through a couple of plates (I was using nitro lacquers and metallic gold powders).  So I wanted to go to a system that could give me consistent results.  So I was advised primer, base coat, clear coat.  At that time, I was able to find a particular color of gold auto paint that matched the old Steinway color pretty much dead on the money.  I used to love to bring a customer into the shop and show them the plate, telling them that I was able to find these extra special materials.  They’d look at it and say, “It’s so beautiful”.  I’d say, “ask me what it is”.  “What is it?”, and I would reply with a smile, “Dodge Dart Gold”.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>They no longer make it, and it is pretty hard to find gold paints, particularly ones that you like.  Instead of a pre-mix gold, I will add a gold metallic powder to my base coat.  I have been able to find a couple of good sources for various shades of Gold.  Larry Buck turned me onto a company called Crescent Bronze, which has many colors of gold.  They are at, <a href="http://www.crescentbronze.com/order_products/chromatone" target="_blank"><u><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:blue'>http://www.crescentbronze.com/order_products/chromatone</span></u></a>.  Unfortunately, the color charts online are all but worthless, so you would need to order some color charts from them.  Not so for at <a href="https://www.nnigroup.com/glandmp/default.aspx" target="_blank"><u><span style='color:blue'>https://www.nnigroup.com/glandmp/default.aspx</span></u></a> .  They have about 75 shades of gold, and large circular patterns that clearly show the color.  Prices vary depending on the color, but generally about $20 for 6 oz., $41 for 16 oz.  Those amounts will do a lot of plates.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>I start with the primer.  Primer is important for a couple of reasons.  It will adhere to the sanded surface of the original paint and bond  well with the top coats.  Also, primer will sand more easily than the top coats and can go a long way to having a level and smooth surface for the succeeding coats to adhere to.   I will have washed the plate and wet sanded it with 220 wet and dry paper.  Putty the dings and wacks with bondo or another filling putty and sand level and even.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>I discovered a new primer that I really, really like because it sands so easily, but gives you a very smooth surface when you are done.  It is SEM High Build Primer Surfacer, and is available in 5 colors.  It only comes in 20 oz. aerosols, (about $17) which was surprising to me – it is not available in quarts or gallons.  That is not necessarily a bad thing.  The aerosols spray well and lay finish quickly.  If you sand through your primer and need to touch up a few spots, you don’t have to clean the gun.  1 to 1 /2 cans is enough to do the average plate, spraying on 3 coats at 10 minute intervals.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>I was amazed at how easily and quickly it sanded, powdered right up and did not clog the paper.  In fact, I found it better to use Scotch Brite Scuff Pads, starting with Maroon and going to Grey.  They worked as quickly as the sandpaper, but had the added advantage of conforming to the irregular curves of the plate readily.  Less sand through.   I spent about 2 hours scuffing the plate smooth as a baby’s bottom after priming.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>It’s the best primer I have used.  It’s really important to spend your sanding time here to get a good surface to lay the paint on.  The sanding will never be any quicker or easier than at this point, and you are laying the foundation for top coats that will lay down smoothly.  Joe told me that the collision guys love this stuff because it works so easily and is fantastic for spot repairs.  Highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>It used to be my practice to mix the gold powders with the top coat clear and spray it on, then follow with the clear.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>There is a better way to do it than that.  Joe turned me onto what is called an Intercoat Carrier.  That is a clear that is specially formulated to mix with metallic powders or pearls.  It will hold the particles in suspension  better than a straight clear, and flows out and levels better.  I sprayed a couple of test panels, one with regular clear, one with the intercoat clear.  Night and day difference – the intercoat carrier definitely lays down much better.  The one that I use , Deltron DBC-870 Intercoat Carrier is $108 per quart.  But you mix it 1:1 with reducer, so that’s really 2 quarts, and you will use about 2/3 quart for a  plate.  Three wet coats at 15 minute intervals.   Let sit for ½ hour and you can then clearcoat.  Otherwise you will need to scuff before you clearcoat.  The intercoat carriers do require a top clearcoat. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>For the clearcoat, I use Dupont ChromaClear HC-7776S Clearcoat, with  Dupont ChromaBase 4 to 17765S activator reducer.  Since I do not like the high gloss glitter of the clears, the Chromaclear is mixed with One Choice SU4985 universal matting agent.  This allows me to control the sheen, which I prefer as a semigloss.  This will give depth to your finish and accentuate the curves of the plate with a bit of glow, and draw out the colors more.    2 to 3 coats at 5 minute intervals.  I do not sand or polish the top coat.     <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>For plate lettering, I used the  Shachihata  Artline 400XF paint marker, which I got from a local art supply store.  It’s a felt tip, and the pigment in the paint covered well, comes in 2 sizes.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>I don’t  pretend to be an expert here.  Rather, I am sharing the expertise of others and reporting the positive results that I have had, so that others may benefit if they are so inclined.  I would love it if others share what they have learned along the way that has brought them good results.  <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>Will Truitt<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>