Is it possible to re-finish a piano?

Question

How hard would it be? Any potential pitfalls? Do I run the risk of ruining the piano as a musical instrument?

Answer 1

You could very well ruin the piano. Stripping the finish and re-applying can warp, add or change the density of the wood.

While the harp and strings would still be fine, a piano is more than keys and strings, it's the whole body. Much like a guitar, or violin, it's sound is characterized by the whole of the piano.

Now... it really depends on if this is an expensive piano, or one that you hack around with... but having anyone but a professional piano caretaker manage it can change the body and soul of the instrument.

Answer 2

Yes. You can strip it down, sand it, use a stain and then varnish it or use polyurithane. BUT be careful when doing the area around the keys. There might be a chance that you can dismantle the front , right above the keyboard. Make careful plans and then go ahead. I am wondering if it is a new piano or an old one. If your not sure of your ability, then have a professional do it. Good Luck !

Answer 3

You could probably refinish the piano yourself BUT it's more than likely more than you'd like to do. If you were to get any chemicals in the string area or key area it could ruin the piano's ability to play or even be tuned.
My advice would be to ask a piano tuner or call a music store. They may have list of professionals that do this type of work.
Good luck.

Answer 4

I bought a used piano with a lot of water damage to the finish on the top of the cabinet, and I asked my piano tuner the same question. According to him, it is possible but not very practical for someone to attempt on their own. When I asked him why, he said that a piano is made from a veneer with a very nice layer on the outside. A veneer is several thin layers of wood that are glued together. When you strip the finish off of the top layer, you run the risk of removing that nicey-nice outside layer. He said that it would be best for me to contact the manufacturer (in my case, Baldwin) and arrange to ship my piano to the manufacturer for a factory refinish. That sounds too expensive to me, so I sewed a quilted table runner to put over the water damage and ... tada! :)

Answer 5

If you're just talking about changing the color/stain of the wood - no problem. You strip it like you would any normal piece of furniture and then go to it. But, if your piano is used as a functional instrument and not just as a large decorative piece, you'll need to get it professionally re-tuned after completing your DIY job. Just look in any phone-book for a piano tuner. Good luck.

Answer 6

ALL IT TAKES IS A LOT OF ELBOW GREASE AND STEEL WOOL TO PREP IT. DECIDE ON THE FINISH WITH THE PAINT STORE EXPERT AND TAPE OFF AND APPLY FINISH ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS. THE FINISH WILL BE AS GOOD AS THE CARE YOU USE. I COULD USE A WHITE PIANO FOR MY DEN, FOR INSTANCE.

Answer 7

yes you can. we have an old piano and got a quote from a guy who does it for a living. not cheap, and not easy, but yes, it's possible. sorry, but i have no idea how bad it would be to do it yourself, but i imagine it would be neither easy nor fun.

Answer 8

STRIP IT LIKE ANY PIECE OF FURNITURE. MAKING SURE YOU DO NOT ALTER THE BRIDGE, OR HAVE ANY CHEMICALS COME INCONTACT WITH THE STRINGS. DO NOT BLEACH THE KEYS, LEAVE AS FOUND. BUT IF IT IS AN ANTIQUE I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU DIDN'T TOUCH IT AND TAKE A PHOTO TO A RECOMENDED RESTORER. WHERE HE OR SHE CAN TELL YOU WHAT TO DO, DON'T RISK YOUR POTENTIAL, RESALE VALUE

Answer 9

yes, however unless you are really good at refinishing you should let a pro do it. usually instruments and antiques will have a higher resale value if they are not refinished. have a pro do any required repairs.

Answer 10

Re-finish ??? you mean re-furnish a piano