Scratch Finish?

[MikeSweetsLord]

Threads on the bell section get blasted and totally fine afterwards. I have done 4 bells now.
I have applied a light coat of matte spray lacquer for brass after and you can’t even tell but it looks and plays well, just don’t use too many coats.

Considering having the vapor blast done to a bell that could use it and wondering what's a good DIY matte spray lacquer? Any suggestions?

[BarryDaniels]

Here is a before and after of my first scratch finish on a Holton TR-150. I applied one coat of nitrocellulose lacquer for protection.

[davek]

I know this post is a little old but I’m wondering what any of you thought about the sound/responsiveness difference before and after. I’ve heard it said that some thought it sounded a little more responsive afterwards. I’m considering it for a King 2b that has very bad lacquer. The tech sprays a lacquer coat on top so.

[hornbuilder]

There is no sound/response difference. IMO

[atopper333]

I’ve had three trombone refinished in scratch brush. A Bach 36BO, an Abilene Conn 88H, and a Yamaha YBL-322. I went with the scratch brush as all of these horns were pretty damaged when bought. They came back very playable. They were really responsive and just fun to play. They were finished in nitro-cellulose lacquer with maybe just a couple of thin coats. Very resonate instruments. I went with this finish option as it removed the least amount of material from the horn while still getting a finish that was visually appealing.

[davek]

There is no sound/response difference. IMO

Thanks. I’m not considering it for that reason, just wondering about any side benefits.

[hornbuilder]

The only side benefit I can see, is the reduction in metal removal. To remove scratches on a full bright polish overhaul, can involve substantial material removal. With scratch brush finish, you can leave more of the base metal, since most of the damage/scratches can blend in to the final finish.