External Restoration
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Casework Stripping
When pianos arrive at the shop, the casework is often in a poor state. The polish suffers from chips, dent, cracking and fading.
The first job is to take the piano apart, and strip off all of the old polish. The bare wood is exposed, and all but the very worst damage is removed at this point.
Casework Preparation
The next job is to wash down the wood with a dewaxing and degreasing solution. A thick paste is then worked into the wood to smooth out the natural dips in the grain, providing a flat and even surface on which to apply the polish.
Once the grain filling compound has dried fully, the piano is sanded down, ready for the staining and sealing coats to be applied.
Casework Polishing
The polishing is done in many layers. Sealing and staining coats are applied, and the case is sanded before the final finish in either satin or gloss.
The end result is a piano that is transformed from a tired and worn looking instrument into a beautiful piece of furniture.
Keys
The piano keys are an essential element of any restoration, as both the feel and appearance are important.
Restoration involves cleaning and buffing the keys, as well as repairing any loose key tops. In some cases, the keys will need to be sanded or even scraped to remove imperfections.
Brasswork
Brass parts on the piano include hinges, lock plates and pedals. These become tarnished over time and let down the overall appearance.
The brasses are cleaned up either by hand or on a buffing machine, before a final polish by hand. They compliment an attractive case perfectly.