Restoring a piano is labor intensive, but you can do it yourself with a few tools and some furniture restoration items. It is not recommended that you restore a piano yourself if it is a valuable antique. It is better that you leave that work to a professional with a higher degree of experience. However, restoring a piano yourself can be a fun and satisfying project if you have one that has had glorious days.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Consult a Professional to Determine Your Piano's Value
Step 1. Call an expert to find out the value of your piano
Restoring a piano can cost you a big budget, and you shouldn't risk ruining the piano if you are new to the job, especially if it is an antique. Try to get an idea of the value and general condition of the piano before you spend a lot of money on its restoration. You can contact a local piano dealer who can help you determine the structural and musical condition of the piano. A piano is most likely worth restoring if it is "young" (thirty or under). An older piano can generally be of poor quality (or it can be an antique). You can determine the age of the piano if you don't know it as long as you know the manufacturer and the serial number of the piano.
Method 2 of 6: Determine Your Piano's Value On Your Own
Step 1. Find the serial number
It is usually located on the piano plate between the bass and tenor strings. Sometimes it's on top of the piano when you open the lid.
Step 2. Place the piano in the box to see how old it is
Keep in mind that ornate carvings and inlays or unusual designs can make yours valuable, regardless of the piano's age or manufacturer, and regardless of its present condition.
Step 3. Discuss the age and general musical and structural condition of the piano with a dealer you trust
A professional can suggest the best methods to use if you plan to restore the wood yourself. Unless you want to restore the piano so that it is just a piece of furniture, consider consulting with a piano tuner to determine if yours sounds good. A professional tuner can advise you on replacing some worn or damaged keys.
Method 3 of 6: Get started with the restore
Step 1. Take the piano apart
This will require removing the parts and labeling them so that you can put the piano back together. You may want to take notes of what he tells you so that you remember the disassembly process, as the project could take a long time. Also, it helps if you take pictures of each piece before and after removing them.
Step 2. Cover all the interior parts
Use a plastic sheet and be sure to cover every part of the inside.
Method 4 of 6: Remove the varnish
Step 1. Use a furniture paint remover to remove the old varnish
This can take a lot of applications, especially if your piano has ornate parts or scroll ornaments. You can skip this step if your piano doesn't have varnish or paint left on it.
Step 2. Clean the wood after removing the varnish
Use a paint-thinning liquid, fine steel wool, and an antique cloth with no loose threads.
Step 3. Sand the clean wood
Use a fine sandpaper and use it lightly. Sand the grain.
Step 4. Clean the wood with a cloth after sanding it
The cloth will collect sandpaper dust and other wood debris. Similarly, you can use a hair dryer (use the cool environment) to blow off the dust, but you must clean the wood with the cloth.
Step 5. Use a wood filler to repair dents and holes
You should use a filler that has the same chemical as the topcoat if you plan to use one for the topcoat. This will prevent a reaction to the paint you use, which could cause uneven color after you paint the wood.
Step 6. Choose your wood paint
Most finishes can be applied with most types of wood paint, but polyurethane cannot be used on top of some paints.
Step 7. Apply the first coat of paint
Use a lint-free cloth. You can also use a foam brush, but only use a new one. Paint a small area at a time and remove excess to avoid smudging.
Step 8. Let the first coat dry completely
You can apply all the layers of paint you want. Each new coat will intensify the color.
Method 5 of 6: Apply the final coat
Step 1. Begin applying the final finish
Polyurethane works great as a top coat. This will seal the paint and protect the piano from moisture damage. Finish coats will dry quickly, but you should allow them to dry for at least 48 hours between each application.
Step 2. Sand lightly between each coat
Use fine sandpaper or # 000 steel wool to sand each thin coat of finish. Two or three thin coats of finish will give your piano a professional shine. However, it is preferable to do so, rather than just applying a thick coat.
Step 3. Use a cloth to clean the wood
After sanding each application, wipe the wood with the cloth so that all dust and particles are removed before you apply the next coat of polyurethane. If you avoid this step, you will end up with an ugly, bumpy finish coat.
Method 6 of 6: Reassemble the Piano
Step 1. Make sure all parts are completely dry before you begin to put the piano back together
He touches every piece and part of the pieces. They may not be completely dry if they feel sticky.
Step 2. Lay a mat on the floor before starting assembly
You can also use cardboard or a large, flat sheet. This is a preventative step that will help prevent rips in the wood as you reassemble the piano.
Step 3. Reassemble the parts in the reverse order of disassembly
Look at your photographs and make notes.
Advice
- Plan several weeks for the restoration of the piano. If possible, do the restoration in a garage or work space that will not be disturbed by anyone.
- Some people skip the wood paint process and only paint the piano after sanding and cleaning it. If the original wood grain of your piano is in good condition, using a wood paint will allow you to show the beauty of the grain, but a few coats of paint will eradicate the natural beauty of the wood.
- When you've taken your piano apart, you could restore some of the internal parts before putting it back together.