Replies

1. 
   Gretchen_ | Feb 11, 2002 04:56pm | #1

   *
   Do you think you could (or would like to) lift off the paint by working quickly and in small areas and see what the original finish is and whether is is worth preserving? I have done this on some old pieces. We have an upright Steinway grand--a bit older than this and the finish is black. A friend had an upright studio Steinway piano that was a lovely mellow brown. Any chance the wood is mahogany rather than oak? May not make any difference. Good luck! It's a monster!

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Feb 12, 2002 02:31am | #2

   *Dan,My first suggestion would be to click here . It will take you to a discussion here on stripping.One of the decisions you will need to make on choosing which type of stripper you use is whether or not you want to restore the original finish. Once you get down to the original finish follow the method for determining whati that finish is before making a final decision as to restore or refinish the piano. FWIW.Dano

1. 
   DanPat | Feb 12, 2002 05:09am | #3

   *I forgot to mention that someone in the past has already made a half-a$$ed effort at stripping a little bit of the keyboard cover. Right in front wouldn't you know. That's how I know it's oak. And that section is down to bare wood. So...I guess it's refinishThanks for your responsesDan

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Feb 12, 2002 05:25am | #4

   *Dan,Proceed with caution; there is a good chance that it maybe a veneer. As to finish, that would largely be a matter of personal choice, depends on what, if any, durability issues are and the "look" you are trying to achieve. Brush on lacquer isn't always the easiest of finishes to apply. If you have spray equipment, take the proper precautions for ventilation and don't apply near any kind of open flame such as a gas furnace.Dano

1. 
   Matthew_Steadman | Feb 15, 2002 04:46am | #5

   *I grew up with my dad touching up and refinishing pianos, often in the living room. As a result I got lots of hands on experience stripping and sanding. For a refinish he started out with a gel stripper for the bulk. Then he switched to liquid with steel wool. Like Danford said, be carfull sanding, it's likely to be veneer and you don't want to sand through veneer. Your idea about lots of coats of lacquer sounds right to me.

2. 
   DanPat | Feb 15, 2002 06:24pm | #6

   *Thank you all. I understand about the veneer as I have quite a bit of experience refinishing & refubishing furniture. But this is my first piano.I know that the finish on other musical insgtruments can affect the sound quality & asked the question because I don't know if it works with a piano also. Hmmmmmmmmmmm...Anyways...thanks for the input.Dan

3. 
   Mike_Hadley | Feb 16, 2002 05:40am | #7

   *Since when did Steinway ever make pianos out of oak???

4. 
   Dave_Arbuckle | Feb 16, 2002 09:06am | #8

   *Mike, according to the web page http://www.steinway.com/html/essex/essex_models.html , you can buy a new Steinway Essex EGP-161 in Oak today. Assuming, of course, your pockets are deep enough. ;-)I found a comment on a musical instrument forum regarding a 1920 Steinway Duo-Art XR in Oak.Dave

5. 
   CStanford_ | Feb 16, 2002 08:22pm | #9

   *Refinishing the case of a fine piano is usually part of a process of a restoration of the harp and the rest of the instrument. The 'guts' are usually removed to be restored and the case refinished at that point. At least this is my understanding of the process. My recommendation would be to pass on this job in favor of a professional experienced in refinishing pianos.

6. 
   Matthew_Steadman | Feb 17, 2002 03:11am | #10

   *The sound board key board and other delicate parts can be removed to be stored safely away from strippers and finishes. If the sound board is already wrecked ie cracked or got painted with the rest of the piano new ones are available but, pricey Steinway stickers are available to. After the finish is complete and the guts are back in it's a good time to call a professional piano tuner. You definitely don't want to get any finish on the sound board.