RESTORING THE FINISH WITHOUT FULL REFINISHING
Dust, residue, and surface wear build up gradually on every piano, both inside the instrument and on the cabinet. Piano polishing requires an understanding of finishes, materials, and how each surface should be treated without compromising the instrument.
From interior cleaning beneath the strings to cabinet polishing and finish touch ups, each piano is evaluated individually and treated according to its condition and construction. In some cases, light polishing is appropriate. In others, deeper repair or refinishing may be recommended instead.
a few images of our work below
Piano polishing is possible for many pianos as long as the exterior finish has not begun to crack or fail. In those cases, full piano refinishing is more appropriate. When the finish is still in very good structural condition, polishing can produce nearly flawless results, as shown in the examples below.
We are able to polish all common finish types, from high-polish black pianos to satin and semi-satin instruments. Satin and satin-lustre finishes are polished using fine abrasives and polishing compounds. The images below show polishing on pianos that have been recently refinished.
This music rack is from a Yamaha grand piano. The right side has been buffed and polished while the left side remains untouched. The contrast shows what polishing can restore in a high gloss black finish. Fine scratches and surface haze can often be corrected through careful buffing and polishing without refinishing the piano.
Deep cleaning involves complete disassembly of the piano. The cabinet is opened, the keyboard action is removed, and the keys are fully disassembled. In this state, all interior surfaces of the piano can be accessed, allowing built-up dirt, grime, and mold to be properly removed. It is important to note that mold is present to some degree in many pianos over twenty years old, especially much older pianos.
Specialized tools are used to remove dust from beneath the strings and from structural areas that cannot be reached otherwise. Interior surfaces are wiped down and sanitized without damaging wood, felt, or finishes.
This service is sometimes requested when a piano is being moved, after purchasing a piano through Facebook Marketplace, or after receiving one from a friend or family member, to ensure the instrument is clean and sanitary before being brought fully into the home. We recommend having a deep cleaning performed periodically, and once the piano is clean, having dust beneath the strings addressed during routine piano tuning visits as part of ongoing maintenance..
We work with all piano brands, makes and models including antique uprights and modern grands, in both private and institutional settings. If your piano needs a refresh, contact us for pricing and options.
