The refinishing process begins with hand striping using a cold chemical striper to remove the existing finish. After the finish is removed the piano is then sanded with 120 grit sand paper to remove small scratches and dents and to restore the wood to its unfinished look. After this sanding is complete the piano rim and case parts are repaired. Checking for loose veneer that might need to be glued or replaced and to repair large nicks and damaged areas that were not removed from the initial sanding of the piano. After all the repairs are complete a final sanding with 220 grit sandpaper is performed to sand out the repair and prepares the wood for staining. At this time you will be invited to the shop where we will go over a selection of stain for you to choose a color of your liking. After the stain is applied the piano will be wash coated and paste filled to accentuate the pores of the wood. Paste filling is normally done on open pore woods such as mahogany or walnut and is not needed on tight pored woods like maple and cherry. After the piano is paste filled the instrument is then coated with sealer, fallboard decal is applied, sanded with 220 and inspected for small nicks and any other imperfection that might exists. After all this preparation work is done it is now time to apply the top coats of lacquer. The lacquer is applied one coat per day and left to sit for thirty days before the final hand rubbing begins. The degree of rubbing to your piano is determined by you. We can hand rub your piano to a beautiful satin finish or polish to an unbelievable mirror like finish that all your guest will be talking about! The next step is to polish out your hardware. If the hardware on your piano is brass will polish and coat the hardware with lacquer to avoid the hardware tarnishing. If the hardware is nickel plated it will be sent out and replated in nickel. The bench will also be finished to match your piano and if your bench is damaged beyond repair or missing we can order a new matching bench for your piano. And now it is time for you to inspect the piano at the shop and arrange for a delivery date!
Before Refinishing:
After Refinishing:
