First of all hiya from Ireland ??, first post en all
I purchased the zither banjo (Clifford Essex) now it has a few flaws. An old perimeter bolt by the skin has been replaced with an Allen bolt. So not to the time.
But the main query is the wooden pot was painted red. The necks grand although.
So I asked my father in law a joiner, he said no to paint stripper or sandpaper . I dabbled the underside with acetone and a cotton bud to test. No joy.
If I could only get it off, but how? I imagine it was part of an attempt to cover scuffs and scrapes.
But as it's over 100yrs old I don't mind. It's part of the story in my thinking.
So any thoughts I'd be great full as it needs to live on.
Noel
If you are anywhere close to Mullingar you can call into my workshop you can strip it down take the paint off, refinish and reassemble. Only thing is that I’m in Australia right now for another couple of weeks.
(Go raibh maith agat mo chara!)
Thanks very much my friend!
But I'm in Belfast. But appreciate the offer.
I'm curious as to cause as little damage as possible. It's smaller than the normal 5 stringer I'd like to bring it back to normal standard. There is repair work to a crack along the edge too. I can fill that tiny bit of pearl missing but I'll mock something up.
But if I get the paint off I imagine scuffs n scratches that's natural and I can clean it up properly. Anyhoo thanks
(Nollaig)
Noel
Sorry have fun and remember the sunblock lol
N
It depends on the model, whether it is a low end one or a high end one. Most of these were painted black although some showed a lovely woodgrain. If yours is black then I think it would be OK to strip it. I have just had a look at one I have here. It is black. Because these were mass produced, the wood would be low quality. The backs of the pot are a separate piece which may be formed ply but without stripping it I am unsure.
If it looks like the paint has been sprayed on you could try cellulose thinners.
If it’s oil based paint you may have luck scraping it off. Your father in law may possibly have a cabinet scraper you could use.
Firstly Wayne you've gimmie something to think about. Although there's a black ring at the front so is this a goodun or baddun? .
If I take stripper to it I might test it with a cotton bud.
It's a Grafton st one so from what I read between 1900 and 1904 mahogany neck which is grand.
Secondly Richard I dunno why, but I don't see paintbrush strokes. Oil based?
My main fear is it'll feck up the wood/veneer underneath.
Scary times.
Regardless thankyou for your thoughts.
Also you mentioned the back of the pot was a separate entity, ironically where the split seems to be.
I'm wondering if black what was it painted with?
I'm intrigued by any information at all.
quote:
Originally posted by NollaigFirstly Wayne you've gimmie something to think about. Although there's a black ring at the front so is this a goodun or baddun? .
If I take stripper to it I might test it with a cotton bud.
It's a Grafton st one so from what I read between 1900 and 1904 mahogany neck which is grand.
Secondly Richard I dunno why, but I don't see paintbrush strokes. Oil based?
My main fear is it'll feck up the wood/veneer underneath.
Scary times.
Regardless thankyou for your thoughts.
I am not sure what you are referring to when say a 'black ring at the front'! Can you post a photo of said ring?
Edited by - banjonz on 08/14/2024 15:15:03
Front n back
Front with black chipped rim
quote:
Originally posted by NollaigFront with black chipped rim
The rim top is wood veneer which you can replace the missing bit if you can get you hands on a bit of veneer.
Hiya
Well the father in law said he had veneer. So that's something. I'm guessing. I'm thinking the neck being of mahogany sort might be what lies beneath.
Thinking too if I strip the red off it might mess up the "mahogany" underneath could I clear varnish it.
But then again you mentioned black pots. Suppose worst case new veneer or black paint as I see white behind the black and a tiny bit on the crack.
Think the only way is to bite the bullet. So cotton bud and thinners here I come, scary.
Thanks
N
Can you post clear photos of it so we can see?
I would be inclined to use a fine sandpaper to take the paint from the neck of the banjo. I have often refinished necks with Ozmo hard wax oil (flooring oil) or True-oil (gunstock oil). Good luck with the rim.
Well the necks OK. Although the pots an annoyance. I'm gonna scuff paint and say a prayer.
Thanks
Noel
Wayne before I destroy things taking emulsion off etc. My neck is brown looks mahogany like.
You mentioned black banjos. Would they have a brown neck?
I'm curious too would it be black painted pots or a dark veneer.
On the subject my car painter pal said scrub up the emulsion and apply aerosol hammerite black. Use the emulsion as a key. I dunno if you can get that in your part of the world. But was curious as to the finish before I "jump" was it painted or a glossy finish like the rest of my banjos.
Again THANKYOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP
Noel
quote:
Originally posted by NollaigWayne before I destroy things taking emulsion off etc. My neck is brown looks mahogany like.
You mentioned black banjos. Would they have a brown neck?
I'm curious too would it be black painted pots or a dark veneer.
On the subject my car painter pal said scrub up the emulsion and apply aerosol hammerite black. Use the emulsion as a key. I dunno if you can get that in your part of the world. But was curious as to the finish before I "jump" was it painted or a glossy finish like the rest of my banjos.
Again THANKYOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP
Noel
Most have black pots with natural wood necks. Only the high end ones (Zither banjos) are more ornate (inlays etc) and show off the woods they were created in. The banjolin pots are mostly black (if my memory serves! I think you would be ok to strip and refinish or even just refinish over the pot. Just my 2c worth.
