Hi. I am an amateur piano rebuilder. I just finished a piano built in 1897 with shellac as I didn’t want to change the finish really, just refresh. I used the zinsser sealcoat but I admit it is a bit old. However I tested on other pieces and it hardens. However there are a pieces of the fallboard that come into contact when I open it, and they stick to each other, even though touching the finish, it is not sticky. Originally these pieces would not touch but due to age there is some slight warpage. How can I repair this situation? Cover with new fresh shellac? some other coating? It is quite a bad problem as I can’t open the lid without it sticking after some time. Thanks for your help. Paul
Replies
That can be an issue with shellac. I'd try waxing the areas that stick, and see if it solves the issue.
Shellac that is past its prime will not harden as well. The good news is that if this is the issue you can wipe the area with some DNA and apply some good Seal Coat and you're done.
If the weight of the contact area is significant, not especially due to the weight of the panel but, more the focus of the contact area, felt bumpers may be called for. Most functional contact areas on instruments use a felt or cork bumper in my experience.
Try cleaning the shellac coat off by wiping gently with denatured alcohol or everclear. Be careful not to rub too much since the original finish may also be shellac.Let it dry for a few days and use fresh shellac and all will be fine.
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