Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-11-08 09:54
I've very successfully restored green/grey/brown hard rubber clarinet bodies using a leather dye as suggested on the Ridnenour site. Remove the keywork and clean the body thoroughly with alcohol to remove all traces of grease, oil and dirt. Then apply Fiebigs "USMC Black" leather dye with a suitable applicator (I just use cotton buds). Apply to the whole exterior of the body including tone holes and allow to dry.
When dry, rub it down with a damp cloth to remove any excess. If necessary apply a second coat. Rub down as before. Don't worry about getting it on metalwork, posts, rings etc, it doesn't stick to metal and wipes off easily. I've used this method on dozens of hard rubber clarinet and oboe bodies and it works perfectly every time.
I wouldn't do this with a mouthpiece, but it works perfectly on bodies. I've only ever used Fiebigs dye, so I can't say if it will work with other products. Note, this is not a coating process, so it will not affect the size (and therefore the tone/tuning) of the instrument. No thickness is added, just a colour change.
Tony F.
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