Piano Refinishing
At Piano Artisans, we understand the unique charm and historical significance of vintage pianos. These instruments are not just musical tools; they are pieces of art, carrying stories within their very grain. But time and use can take their toll on a piano’s finish, leaving it looking worn and faded. That’s where our expertise in piano refinishing comes in. We breathe new life into these treasured instruments, preserving their heritage while
Fully Restored Steinway Style 1, 1868, High Gloss Varnish
enhancing their beauty and structural integrity.
Refinishing a vintage piano is far more than just applying a fresh coat of paint. It’s a meticulous process that requires deep understanding of the instrument’s construction, materials, and history. The finish plays a crucial role beyond aesthetics. It protects the delicate wood, including the often-present veneer, from environmental damage like humidity fluctuations, which can cause warping and cracking. A properly applied finish also helps stabilize the underlying wood and glue joints, ensuring the piano’s structural soundness for generations to come.
The Art of Traditional Craftsmanship
Schiller Upright, Fully Restored, Satin Oil Finish
At Piano Artisans, we honor the traditions of piano making by using time-honored techniques and materials. We believe in the superior quality and beauty of classic finishes like:
- Lacquer: Known for its smooth, durable, and lustrous sheen.
- Varnish: Offers a warm, rich tone and excellent protection.
- Polished High Gloss: Creates a mirror-like finish, showcasing the wood’s natural beauty.
- Modern Ebony Satin (European Styles): Provides a sleek, contemporary look with a subtle sheen.
All of our finishes are meticulously grain filled to achieve the perfect, smooth, glass-like surface characteristic of a true piano finish. This process ensures a flawless, even finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty.
Preserving the Legacy
Refinishing a vintage piano is an investment in its future. By using traditional techniques and high-quality materials, we not only restore the instrument’s visual appeal but also enhance its structural stability and longevity. At Piano Artisans, we’re passionate about preserving the legacy of these remarkable instruments, ensuring they continue to inspire and delight for generations to come. Contact us today to discuss how we can bring new life to your cherished vintage piano.
Types of Piano Finishes We Offer
High-Gloss Finishes (Machine Polished):
- Classic High-Luster Lacquer: A traditional choice offering a deep, rich gloss and exceptional clarity, showcasing the wood grain.
- Durable Polyurethane (High Gloss): A modern option providing excellent durability and a high-gloss, mirror-like finish.
- Traditional Varnish (High Gloss): A classic finish known for its warm tone and protective qualities, achieving a high-gloss sheen through careful polishing.
Satin Finishes:
- Hand-Rubbed Satin (Classic Styles): A traditional, elegant finish achieved through meticulous hand-rubbing, resulting in a soft, subtle sheen that enhances the wood’s natural beauty. Available in both classic American and European styles.
- Modern Satin: A contemporary finish with a smooth, even sheen, offering a sleek and understated look.
Specialty Finishes:
- Ebony (Gloss or Satin): A timeless and sophisticated finish available in both high-gloss and hand-rubbed satin sheens.
- White (Gloss or Satin): A clean and modern finish offered in both high-gloss and satin options.
- Matte Finishes (Custom Colors Available): A contemporary, non-reflective finish available in a wide range of custom colors.
Custom Options:
- Custom Colors: We offer a wide range of custom color matching services, allowing you to create a truly unique and personalized finish. (Examples: reds, blues, greens, etc.)
- Themed Finishes: We can create custom themed finishes, incorporating logos, artwork, or other designs to reflect your personal style or brand. (Examples: Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Disney, etc.)
- Custom Veneer and Inlay: We offer custom veneer selection and intricate inlay work to create truly bespoke and artistic piano cases.
Why We Avoid Polyester Finishes
While some modern piano refinishers use polyester, we at Piano Artisans have consciously chosen not to offer this type of finish. There are several compelling reasons for this decision:
- Hazardous Nature: Polyester finishes contain harmful chemicals that pose health risks during application and curing. We prioritize the safety of our artisans and the environment.
- Excessive Weight: Polyester is significantly denser than traditional finishes like varnish, adding substantial weight to the instrument. This extra weight can negatively impact the piano’s tone and structural integrity. Polyester resins are approximately 200% heavier than traditional varnish.
- Irreversibility: Once applied, polyester is nearly impossible to remove without damaging the underlying wood. This makes future repairs or refinishing extremely difficult and costly. If any damage occurs to a polyester finish the entire piano will need to be stripped down to bare wood. This is not the case with traditional finishes like lacquer and varnish. These traditional finishes can be spot repaired.