<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="top" style="font: inherit;"><div>I'd like to mention that steel, polished to a true mirror-finish ( on buffing wheels with different levels of compound) looks like nickel plating. And that, in this highly polished state, it seems resistant to rusting. (At least from normal atmospheric humidity.) So that, plus a lacquer coat, may be adequate for pianos that don't warrant actual plating ( and will be less likely to chip). I filed the numbers off of the tops of some hardware store 5/8" bolts intended for a through-block clamping (to a 5" leg steel angle on a massive art-case upright, to sraighten out the back) and polished them like this; but he project got delayed and put into storage, and, 5 years later, through all sorts of humidity, the bolts still shine! Thumpe</div></td></tr></table> <div id="_origMsg_"> <div style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif:font-size:10pt"> <div style="font-family:times new roman, new york, times, serif;font-size:12pt"> <hr size="1"> From: Delwin D Fandrich <del@fandrichpiano.com>; To: <pianotech@ptg.org>; Subject: Re: [pianotech] Pressure Bar Sent: Wed, Nov 14, 2012 10:30:20 PM <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" style="font:inherit;">Many years back I enquired about this and was told that products like Rustoleum--they are not the only product of this type--are specifically formulated to bond to metal. If I knew at the time I've long since forgotten just what the differences are. Or if those differences are real and substantive. But my informal tests at the time seemed to substantiate the claims of better bonding to metal. They were also supposed to have somewhat better weather resistance--specifically better protection against UV light. (Generally not an issue with upright piano pressure bars!) I don't know if this is all still the case or not as many products like this have been reformulated many times over the past few years in efforts to keep them from killing us. ddf Delwin D Fandrich Piano Design & Fabrication 6939 Foothill Court SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA Phone  360.515.0119 — Cell  360.388.6525 <a ymailto="mailto:del@fandrichpiano.com" href="javascript:return">del@fandrichpiano.com</a> — <a ymailto="mailto:ddfandrich@gmail.com" href="javascript:return">ddfandrich@gmail.com</a> -----Original Message----- From: <a ymailto="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" href="javascript:return">pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a> [mailto:<a ymailto="mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org" href="javascript:return">pianotech-bounces@ptg.org</a>] On Behalf Of Paul McCloud Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 1:30 PM To: <a ymailto="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org" href="javascript:return">pianotech@ptg.org</a> Subject: Re: [pianotech] Pressure Bar Yes, you can just use lacquer.  I don't know what Rustoleum has in it, but maybe there's something that prevents rust that regular lacquer doesn't have.  I don't know.  I know that if I lacquer some brass pedals, the brass won't tarnish nearly as fast, but over time there will be spots on the brass that I have to remove the lacquer to be able to polish it again.  I've seen a special brass spray that is supposed to seal it, but I'm not sure how it's any different than lacquer.  Good luck. Paul ----- Original Message ----- From: "Noah Frere" <<a ymailto="mailto:noahfrere@gmail.com" href="javascript:return">noahfrere@gmail.com</a>> To: <a ymailto="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org" href="javascript:return">pianotech@ptg.org</a> Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 1:16:29 PM Subject: Re: [pianotech] Pressure Bar Can i just. like, paint lacquer on there though? I already have that...i don't see as to why i would really need Rustoleum specifically. On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 3:51 PM, Noah Frere < <a ymailto="mailto:noahfrere@gmail.com" href="javascript:return">noahfrere@gmail.com</a> > wrote: Thanks for the speedy reply. Yeah it is off the piano. I've never plated anything before. I'll do as you suggest. On Wed, Nov 14, 2012 at 3:37 PM, Paul McCloud < <a ymailto="mailto:pmc033@earthlink.net" href="javascript:return">pmc033@earthlink.net</a> > wrote: If it's steel, it will eventually rust to some extent. If there was paint, I'd at least get some Rustoleum (clear) on it. You could plate it, assuming it's off the piano. Paul McCloud Sandy Ego ----- Original Message ----- From: "Noah Frere" < <a ymailto="mailto:noahfrere@gmail.com" href="javascript:return">noahfrere@gmail.com</a> > To: <a ymailto="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org" href="javascript:return">pianotech@ptg.org</a> Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 12:27:38 PM Subject: [pianotech] Pressure Bar Hello! I sanded off the paint from a pressure bar (in case that's not the right word) on an upright (the curved flattish piece that holds down the strings just above the upper termination point). It is now very attractive, bright steel. However, will it tarnish quicker if I don't finish it with lacquer or something before I restring? </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> </div>