Has anyone ever tried powder coating a grand plate when doing a restoration? Seems that it would be much better, but what effects would it have on the piano?

Powder coatings are usually excellent, but the ones I'm familiar with require running the part through an oven to cause the powder to fuse into a smooth coating. Are you referring to some other type?

No, you're right. That's powder coating. They're sprayed on, while a slight electric charge is put through the metal in order to attract and bond the powder with the metal, and the it's baked in a high temp. oven. My only concern is will it affect the aggraffes, or the hitch pins? It puts a slightly thicker layer on the plate. The good part is, it won't flake off, or chip.

Ryan,

Powder coating doesn't look very good on cast iron. It requires a very smooth surface to look nice, and once you clean the plate in order for the powder coat to be applied, you will have a rather rough sand casting surface.

I don't think that plate chips and dings are enough of a problem to justify the appearance, cost and effort of powder coating.

Don I agree ,I had a customer that insisted on the powder coating ,I did it reluctantly,It came out bumpy and very uneven . Even with a metalic Priner to smooth the surface.The customer didn't like it as well.The piano was a Mason & Hamlin BB,she was willing to spend the money so I suggested Gold leaf with real Gold 14k.The cost of the job went up a lot .I figured out the cost to do the plate and it came to $1845.00 just for the leaf sheets.After burnishing the surface the entire plate took on a shine and complete smooth look that she wanted.I probably won't do this again,to much labor intensive work,It's been Eight years and the piano still has the same shine today.Had to be real careful,it will scratch and chip.I do the standard Guilding Now!!!

One of the local guys uses an automotive paint that looks very nice. I'm thinking of trying it. I've still been using bronzing powder mixed in clear lacquer.

Modern auto paints are very tough and resist most solvents. I bet they'd work well.

We've been using automotive paints with great success for years. They look good, are extremely durable, and we've been able to work with an autofinish place to come up with 'our own' gold. Since they are all reactive finishes, it is important that sealer-color-topcoat be sprayed withing their given timeframes, otherwise there may not be a sufficient bond between them.