Pianotech

  • 1.  Repair of white Kawai finish

    Posted 09-12-2024 22:56

    I have a customer with a white Kawai grand where the movers push the edge into something that has left deep scratches if not gouges in the edge of the top. Can anyone suggest a way to repair this. Can one use the new UV curing resin to repair this? Is there a white dye for this? Does this need to be done with a white lacquer? Any information you have would be helpful. Thank you. 



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    Thomas Brantigan
    Sacramento Chapter
    Folsom CA
    (410) 371-1617
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  • 2.  RE: Repair of white Kawai finish

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-12-2024 23:34

    When you have a white finish, getting a perfect match is next to impossible.  Because this is on the edge, you might get away with just getting it close.  I don't know about the new UV curing resins.  I saw the system at Reno, and purchased the kit but haven't tried it out.  If it was me, I'd take a cheek block to an automotive paint store to have a custom match made in a spray can.  Bondo, or polyester sanding coat and primer to fill in the gouges, then topcoat with your custom lacquer or enamel spray.  Optional clear coat. 

    If this was on the top panel or anywhere there is damage on a large open surface, I'd recommend doing the whole panel rather than spot it in.



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    Paul McCloud, RPT
    Accutone Piano Service
    www.AccutonePianoService.com
    pavadasa@gmail.com
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  • 3.  RE: Repair of white Kawai finish

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-13-2024 07:50

    I would suggest a polyester specialist. 

    Peter Grey Piano Doctor 



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    Peter Grey
    Stratham NH
    (603) 686-2395
    pianodoctor57@gmail.com
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  • 4.  RE: Repair of white Kawai finish

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-13-2024 08:09

    I don't think this finish is polyester.  It's more likely urethane.  You could contact Kawai and ask.  Maybe Don Mannino would know.  Kawai might have the factory color available.  Even if this finish is polyester, and you have the factory color, you'll always see where the old and new material meet.  At least that is my experience. 



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    Paul McCloud, RPT
    Accutone Piano Service
    www.AccutonePianoService.com
    pavadasa@gmail.com
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  • 5.  RE: Repair of white Kawai finish

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 09-13-2024 12:23
    It is Polyester.  Kawai America might have white available, but the problem is that every batch of white is different, so the color doesn't match.

    The real artistic polyester specialists use clear resin and color and mix it to match.  I believe the supplies are available from Allied Piano Co. in Pennsylvania.

    Don Mannino
    (Retired from Kawai America)