Anybody do a do-it-yourself lacquer job?

tims9999 · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2003 10:31 pm Post subject:

Is it very common to lacquer or apply silver to a raw brass trumpet by yourself?
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Tim - "It's not what you play, but how you play it."

Nonsense Eliminator · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 6:07 am Post subject:

Jarrett Ellis · Heavyweight Member Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Posts: 649

Well said.
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DaveH · Heavyweight Member Joined: 20 Nov 2001 Posts: 3861

I sure wouldn't try it!!

I know I do not have the equipment, materials, skill, knowledge, facilities, experience - and all that kind of very important stuff to try something like that.

plp · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 7:19 am Post subject:

Would you paint your car with spray paint from Walmart? I have seen a professional paint and body man do that very thing for touchup, and you couldn't tell the difference. The raw materials will only do what the hand guiding them directs.
If you are interested in learning instrument repair and refinishing, start with going to your local repair person. Talk with them about what you want to do, and perhaps they can answer your question. I have tried my hand at soldering to the extent that I know it aint me, and I am better served by earning the money at what I do well, and paying someone else for what they do well.

tims9999 · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 1:05 pm Post subject:

I was just curious if anybody does it, I have no intention of trying it - I don't even really know how to UNlacquer a trumpet, let alone lacquer one.

Thanks for the replies
_________________
Tim - "It's not what you play, but how you play it."

Horn of Praise · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 1:22 pm Post subject:

tims9999,

This is the extent that previous posters have spoken on this topic (to the best of my recollection), since you're sincerely curious.

1) People have successfully stripped the lacquer off their horns using oven cleaner, professional stripping agents, etc.

2) People have covered bare spots, where the lacquer has worn off/through, with auto paste wax, clear finger nail polish, etc.

But, I do not recall anyone ever posting on a do-it-yourself lacquer job. Maybe you will buy a "rummage sale beater" and experiment. Then we will all know.

Be well.

_________________
PAUL NELSON
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Monette B4LD
http://abel.hive.no/trumpet/artist/friedrich/seminar/caruso.html

[ This Message was edited by: Horn of Praise on 2003-09-06 04:41 ]

SHS_Trumpet · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2003 2:00 pm Post subject:

I lacquered two horns, a recording and a recording trombone. It was relatively easy, instrument lacquer is sold in spray cans and is cheap. It doesn't turn out like a pro job because they use a different kind of lacquer. So if you want the pro look take it to a pro.
_________________
Andrew Fowler
MYNWA
"90% of trumpet music is below high C"

trumpetplayer87 · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2003 11:39 am Post subject:

I'm planning to color laquer my yardsale-junker as soon as I get around to it. I'll post here how it turns out. I want to experiment first with sanding different patterns onto the surface.

Bonnie

elgatoerudito · Regular Member Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 24

on my first horn that I had back in junior high, the lacquer was so spotty that my dad decided to re-lacquer it himself. the lacquer started coming off within a couple of months and he re-lacquered it once or twice more, unsuccessfully, before I ended up moving up to an intermediate horn.
I guess the moral of the story is no matter how much you think you know you might just be giving the trumpet leprosy. haha
but wait...my dad knows everything...never mind

jhatpro · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 4:28 am Post subject:

I've seen several do-it-yourself lacquer jobs and none was acceptable, in my opinion. You can have it done professionally for the cost of a couple of high end mouthpieces.

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Jim Hatfield/Chicago Area
"Collect trumpets. They're cheaper than violins and safer than guns."

[ This Message was edited by: jhatpro on 2003-09-05 07:31 ]

drunkiq · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 7:24 am Post subject:

My recomendation - Harry Carter at Pettifors has good prices, he can even just stirp you horn to raw brass if hat is all you want:

PETTIFORS INCORPORATED
732 LOS ANGELES AVE, ELKHART, IN 46516
(574) 293-8244
pettiforsinc@aol.com (not up technolgy I thnk it issomones personal second home email mail there, not checke often - call for pirces and optoions -ask fo harry)

I am sending him several mpc's today for / refinsihing and re=platting too -he he is down the street from andersons silver platinging company!!

To see my 1974 Schilke B3b that he Converted to X3Lb and satin gold plated, clidk HERE - I have before pictures too of the works too on a link at the botom of the web page...

he has his own lacquaring facaliy in house that he jsut upgraded the HVAC on too...

-marc melton
dunkiq@hotmail.com

[ This Message was edited by: drunkiq on 2003-09-05 10:33 ]