Re:[Harp-L] Painting the wooden comb..

[G <gigs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Zvi,
  The safest proven approach is to use water based non-toxic urethane.
Usually they're labelled as safe for fruit bowls and children's toys.
First two coats really thin, let dry properly between each, then a thicker
third and possibly fourth coat to finish off.
  Hardware stores and paint stores should have something like this in
stock, at the very least they can order a small can in for you.
-- G.

Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:30:29 -0500
From: Zvi Aranoff <zaranoff@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Painting the wooden comb..

>I sanded my Marine Band. The sharp edges of the reed plate was  
>hurting my lips and the comb was a bit bumpy and not perfectly  
>straight. I sanded both and now they're smooth as a baby and the harp  
>plays great.
>
>Now. however, the wood is exposed and I'm concerned it might expand  
>with continuous usage. Also, the wood doesn't look good. It got a bit  
>black from the sanding. It's just an aesthetic thing but I want it to  
>look good, preferably black like the rest of the comb.
>
>I went to several hardware stores and all they had was polyurethane,  
>shellac,  or paint, all of which is unhealthy to put into the mouth..  
>The only safe thing I was able to find was an oil that's used to  
>finish butcher blocks, but that won't make the wood look nicer and  
>the oil eventually comes off and you have to keep applying it once in  
>awhile.
>
>I found a water based paint that has a risk level #1 on the label (0  
>being the lowest, 5 the highest). I searched Google and couldn't find  
>what does that mean. Is it safe to put in the mouth?
>
>Does anyone here know what can I use to finish the sanded area? 
>I'd appreciate any advice.
>TIA!
>Zvi