TX2AK - Posted - 04/27/2012:  00:02:04

I should be getting my new processed vellum head from Bill Miller's folks tomorrow, and am wondering what to use to treat the head. I have a spray on treatment, Sno-Seal product that boasts 10% (high) silicone, recommended for use on suede, natural fabrics, etc. It says that it allows materials to breath, which I'm afraid means that it allows skin heads to be more susceptible to humidity changes - it does say multiple applications increase the waterproofing, so could apply two coats. I also have the Sno-Seal paste stuff that I use on leather boots, etc, but it's supposed to be used on a warmed object, which I'm a little afraid might mess up the premount.

I can buy something else if I have to, but that will require a trip into town, and I'd obviously like to use something I already have. Anyone know if one product over the other would be best?

PGP - Posted - 04/27/2012:  00:38:43

Don't use the snow seal paste! It is too thick and greasy. You could use the spray.  I used several coats of Kiwi Select All Protector Rain and Stain Protector. This also says it allows leather to breath and a second application is recommended. Good luck.

Peter

Edited by - PGP on 04/27/2012 00:43:37

SFI - Posted - 04/27/2012:  04:06:39

We use Thompson's Water Seal in our shop. We used to use Scotch Guard, but they changed the formula to a water borne and it no longer works well on calf skin heads.

Bob Smakula

smakula.com

Jason Wilkerson - Posted - 04/27/2012:  04:19:40

Rain and Stain from Rack Room Shoes works well for me

jbalch - Posted - 04/27/2012:  04:41:24

quote:

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Originally posted by Jason Wilkerson

Rain and Stain from Rack Room Shoes works well for me

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 This is what I use too ...mainly because there is a convenient Rack Room Shoe store near my home.

Linking to the hide heads group:  banjohangout.org/group/hideheads

Dan Gellert - Posted - 04/28/2012:  12:32:46

Do you treat the head while it's on the banjo, or take it off (so the part under the stretcher band gets treated too)?

TX2AK - Posted - 04/28/2012:  13:06:17

Head off, they say the treatment can damage part of you banjo while wet, plus you'd want full coverage, I would think. My instructions say before mounting the head.

tomrice - Posted - 04/28/2012:  13:41:35

Put the Thompson's on both sides of the calfskin?

TX2AK - Posted - 04/28/2012:  14:14:19

Yep in and out

jbalch - Posted - 04/28/2012:  14:37:37

My process for mounting and treating a new hide is this:

1. briefly wet the hide & stretch it over the rim - leaving the crown low to allow for additional stretching (secure the tension hoop with a few hooks).

2. trim the excess hide above the tension hoop.

3. allow to dry thoroughtly (overnight)

4. remove the hide from the rim for final close trimming & to spray with waterproofer

5. spray top, bottom and crown (I use Rain N Stain from Rack Room Shoes - apply two coats).

6. allow the spray to dry completely before re-mounting the head.

Edited by - jbalch on 04/28/2012 14:41:13

	Dyed calfskin from Bill Miller
	Kay banjo with new Bill Miller dyed calfskin head	Kay banjo with new Bill Miller dyed calfskin head

Rizo - Posted - 04/28/2012:  17:12:17

What did you use to dye that head John? Looks really cool. I'm thinking of switching to a skin head on one of my banjos, and was thinking of just rubbing wet coffee ground on it.

jbalch - Posted - 04/28/2012:  20:32:00

That is a dyed head from the late Bill Miller.  I bet his daughter can still supply them at banjoseen.com

raybob - Posted - 04/28/2012:  22:45:02

I agree with John.  If it's a pre-mounted vellum head I would simply put it on the banjo, tighten it some, but leave it 'low crown-ish'.  You may have to dampen a pre-mount a little, but very little and not around the flesh hoop.  With a pre-mount you won't have to trim it.  Otherwise I do just like John says.  Good luck.

Rizo - Posted - 04/29/2012:  16:57:11

John, I just ordered on of those heads from Banjoseen.com. Hopefully Bill's daughter can hook me up. I think that brown dye makes it look like an old attic find from the 1800's.

I'm planning on trying Bob's suggestion of Thompson's water seal. Is that just the regular deck water proofing Bob? I was thinking of just wiping it on with a rag but am open to opinions.