I received what I would call a most unusual request.  A customer of
mine has requested that I not only rebuild his player, but also paint
and decal the case to fit his "John Deere" theme.  He is an avid John
Deere collector, having a dozen antique John Deere tractors on the
premises, and a "John Deere" recreation room with memorabilia where
the piano is to be located.

John Deere farm machines were painted in green and yellow paint.
Looking on the web, I found John Deere decals that will fill the bill,
however, I have never purposely painted a piano.  So I have a few
questions.

What is the best way to prep the case, and what sealer do I use?  If
I'm going to paint this thing (yuck!), I would like to at least be able
to lay down a durable professional looking coat of paint.  I do know that
automotive primer will stick to wood, but this may not be the best way.

Also, I told him that the tractor enamel will probably not work very well
applied to wood, so the paint will have to be custom mixed.  Enamel is
far more durable than lacquer, but the latter has more depth, and the
surface prep is far more critical.  Any advice how to proceed with the
wood would be much appreciated.

Yesterday I painted the plate green and yellow.  I stood back and
looked at this, trying to picture what it would look like assembled,
and laughing and muttering to myself.  I had ground off the 'Beckwith'
name from the piano plate and fitted in its place a large decal that
simply read "John Deere, Moline Ill".

The company slogan is "Nothing runs like a Deere!"  How the piano turns
out is another matter!

Andy Taylor

 [ The company has amazingly loyal customers; read their history
 [ at http://www.deere.com/en_US/compinfo/history/trademark.html
 [ -- Robbie