Clavichord Day 14 - More Tortoiseshell Prep

Today, we continued prep for the tortoiseshell design we've planned. Having applied a second coat of primer (this time using a roller rather than a brush!), the first chore was sanding the primer smooth.



That done, it was time for the yellow undercoat. The idea is to build up the paint in transparent layers to create the look of real tortoiseshell. Yellow, being the lightest and brightest color we will use, goes on first and underneath all the darker and richer layers.

We started with the lid:


The fallboard and even the tiny toolbox lid got covered.


Then, it was on to the case.



Since this all needs to dry before we can continue (once again), it is worth pointing out one step I forgot to photograph from a couple of days ago. The lid, when opened, will lean back at an angle, but it will not fall all the way back. This is because a string will connect from the instrument itself to the lid. The string will tie to two screw eyes -- one in the lid, and one in the hitchpin block. Look closely below, and you can find the holes I drilled.


If all goes well, tomorrow we should be able to get to the heart of the tortoiseshell.