Our Piano Refinishing Work
Steinway & Sons, Duo-Art, Louis Case, OR, Piano Artisans-10
Sohmer Upright Piano, red mahogany finish
Sohmer, Mahogany, Victorian Upright
Modern Ebony Satin Finish, Steinway piano
Steinway & Sons, Modern Ebony Satin
Chickering Studio Upright Piano, Gloss lacquer
Chickering Studio Upright Piano
Wm. Knabe, Conservatory, Victorian Grand, Rosewood, Satin
Wm. Knabe, Conservatory, Victorian Grand, Rosewood, Satin
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Beehive clawfoot stool
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Beehive clawfoot stool
Baldwin Model M, Modern Ebony Satin, Brass Hardware
Baldwin Model M, Modern Ebony Satin, Brass Hardware
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway & Sons, American Walnut, Carved Case, Satin Walnut Varnish Finish, Duo-Art Player Piano System, 1927 original woodworking by the Bianchi family
Steinway Model O, Honduran Mahogany, Satin Lacquer
Baldwin Studio, satin White
Marquetry Inlaid High Gloss Lacquer Steinway
Fully Restored, Steinway Model A, High Gloss
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860
Chickering Square Grand Piano Rosewood, High Polish Varnish, 1860
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer, Restored Ivory, Brass Accents
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer, Restored Ivory, Brass Accents
Mason & Hamlin, 1923, Model AA, Mahogany Semi Gloss Finish Varnish-1
Mason & Hamlin, Mahogany, High Luster Varnish
Steinway, High Luster Black Mahogany Varnish
Our proprietary Black Mahogany Finish. A fresh concept on a stunning 1918 Steinway.
Emerson Upright Restored, piano aritisans (1 of 1)
Emerson, Burl Walnut, Satin Varnish
Steinway & Sons, Model XR, 1923, Duo Art-26
Steinway & Sons, Meticulous Carvings, Satin Varnish
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer
John T Wells, English Upright, High Luster Varnish, Burl Walnut Veneer
Steinway, Louis Case XVI
Steinway, French Provincial, High Gloss Polished Varnish
Schiller Upright, Tiger Oak, Satin Oil Finish
Schiller Upright, Fully Restored, Satin Oil Finish, Tiger Oak
AB Chase, Burl Walnut, Satin Varnish, Upright, Victorian, Restored Ivory & Ebony, Nickel Accents, Music Rack Filagree
Steinway & Sons, Model B, Brushed satin ebony. Classic Steinway style
Steinway & Sons, Model B, Brushed satin ebony. Classic Steinway style
George Steck, Honduran Mahogany, Baby Grand, High Luster Classic Satin
George Steck, Honduran Mahogany, Baby Grand, High Luster Satin
Kawai, modern gray satin finish
Piano Refinishing
The Art of Piano Refinishing
Reviving Beauty, Preserving History
At Piano Artisans, we approach piano refinishing as both an art form and a preservation science. Under the masterful direction of Brian, our founder and refinishing specialist, we transform worn exteriors into showcases of period-appropriate craftsmanship that protect your piano's structure, authenticity, and value.
"When my grandmother's Mason & Hamlin arrived after decades in storage, its once-beautiful mahogany case was scratched and damaged. Piano Artisans' refinishing work transformed it completely. The high-luster satin finish now showcases the figured mahogany with incredible depth. Their Slack channel allowed us to watch the entire process, making our connection to this family treasure even stronger. Their craftsmanship is simply unparalleled."
— Elizabeth M., Newport Beach, CA
Our Refinishing Process
Our approach combines time-honored techniques with modern precision:
- Historical Documentation - We identify period-specific techniques and materials
- Careful Preparation - Meticulous removal of existing finish while preserving delicate veneers
- Structural Repair - Addressing any veneer damage or loose joints before refinishing
- Traditional Materials - Using authentic finishes appropriate to your piano's era
- Expert Grain Filling - Creating the perfect, glass-like surface characteristic of true piano finishes
- Multiple Finish Coats - Applying 12-20 thin coats with careful sanding between applications
- Final Hand Finishing - Meticulous hand rubbing and polishing for unmatched depth and luster
Finish Options
We offer finishes tailored to your piano's historical period and your preferences:
Traditional Finishes:
- Classic High Gloss (mirror-like reflection)
- Semi-Gloss (elegant moderate luster)
- Satin (subtle, sophisticated sheen)
- French Polish (traditional hand-rubbed shellac)
Color Options:
- Ebony, Mahogany, Walnut, or Custom color matching
The Piano Artisans Difference
What separates our work from standard refinishing:
- Historical Research into your specific piano model's original techniques
- Proper Materials instead of inappropriate modern shortcuts
- Time-Intensive Process (often 4-8 weeks for finish work alone)
- Personal Craftsmanship with Brian personally overseeing every project
- Comprehensive Documentation for historical record and future care
Professional piano refinishing represents a significant investment that enhances your instrument's value while preserving its authentic character for generations.
Begin Your Piano's Transformation
We invite you to discuss your piano's refinishing needs with our team.
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.
Pricing Guide
Click on the link ⇓ below ⇓ to find out more about our Piano Restoration Pricing