Piano Refinishing

At Piano Artisans, we bring new life to these treasured instruments.

Our Piano Refinishing Work

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.

Our Refinishing Process

Our approach combines time-honored techniques with modern precision:

  1. Historical Documentation - We identify period-specific techniques and materials
  2. Careful Preparation - Meticulous removal of existing finish while preserving delicate veneers
  3. Structural Repair - Addressing any veneer damage or loose joints before refinishing
  4. Traditional Materials - Using authentic finishes appropriate to your piano's era
  5. Expert Grain Filling - Creating the perfect, glass-like surface characteristic of true piano finishes
  6. Multiple Finish Coats - Applying 12-20 thin coats with careful sanding between applications
  7. 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.

Contact Us for Refinishing Consultation

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

Piano Restoration Pricing Guide