Pianotech

  • 1.  How to glue brass piece back to this antique piano?

    Posted 09-23-2017 17:03



    Hello everyone,


    I currently suffer from a big problem of gluing the loosed bronze mounted pieces on the surface back to the antique French pianos(pianos belong to one of my customers, these pianos are boulle inlaid, bronze monuted. Made in Mid-19th century in France ).


    I wonder if anyone could give any good suggestions about gluing brass back to the surface of the pianos firmly?
    What kind of glue should I use for this project? 



    All your suggestions or comments are helpful!


    Thanks for replying!

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    Sheng

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  • 2.  RE: How to glue brass piece back to this antique piano?

    Posted 09-23-2017 20:48
    This is very specialized restoration work.
    You might contact Anne Acker at <a.acker@comcast.net> and ask her advice.

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    Ed Sutton
    ed440@me.com
    (980) 254-7413
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  • 3.  RE: How to glue brass piece back to this antique piano?

    Posted 09-24-2017 09:47
    Once this metal inlay gets loose and deforms, it can no longer be re-glued until it is removed and straightened. You must cut out the affected inlay and re-shape it to conform to the substrate. With a straight-line inlay strip, it's easier to use a new piece. You then clean out all the old glue and rough-up the back of the inlay metal and re-glue using hot hide glue and clamps. If the piece is just loose, you can work some hot glue underneath and clamp it with a warm caul and wax paper. If any glue squeezes out, it can be cleaned off after it sets. You could use modern glues like epoxy, but they didn't use those originally. There are restorers who specialize in inlay repair (ask at a high-end auction house), and you could send them the affected pieces. This may cost more than the piano is worth, but who can put a price on sentiment?

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    Philip Jamison
    Philip Jamison Pianos
    WEST CHESTER PA
    610-696-8449
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