Klarinet Archive - Posting 000023.txt from 2003/05

From: Joe West <west.12@-----.edu>
Subj: RE: [kl] A Yellow Conn
Date: Fri, 2 May 2003 10:13:27 -0400

Very good point, using # 7 compound with buffing wheel, I was able to buff
below the discoloration.
This was my first attempt before I started starting thinking about paints
or dyes. Oh a scratch test
indicated that the yellow ran deeper than .003". Think of removing more
than a sheet of paper from
the instrument in thickness. This would damage the instruments tone holes
and possibly the
sound. I decided this was not the most prudent method.

I want to impress on folks that just applying a permanent marker to their
instrument is not a good
idea. As Nancy points out the pigments in the ink will get sticky. You
need to do a complete tear down
of the instrument, then using 600 grit in one direction only! Sand the
instrument, taking care not the
sand the tone holes. Then using surgical gloves, wipe the instrument with
Ethyl Alcohol 200 proof, this eliminates
the grease and prepares the plastic for acceptance of the dyes. Now using a
permanent marker, in
the direction of sanding, coat the instrument evenly. Let sit for several
hours. The instrument will take
on a dull purple/ black color. Now buff the instrument thoroughly with a
cotton T-shirt. The color after
proper buffing (30 minutes of elbow grease) will be black with a purple
sheen. Now find your favorite
T.V. show and handle the instrument for the duration. Rubbing skin oils
into the instrument. It works
believe me. After a good hour, back to the T-shirt. The color will now be
jet black. Your hands will
need washing by the way.

I have handled the bell for over 2 hours, with no bleeding or sticky
residue and the color is fast and
beautiful. The upper section treated in the same fashion is the same way.
For now only time will tell
but so far so good.

Joe

>Your Conn may be made of rubber, which when properly buffed, would return
>to its original black color. Marker can get sticky under your fingers
>after a while. Not a recommendation, in my opinion.
>
>Nancy

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