Home > Refinishing

We offer many methods to give a piano case a high-gloss, satin, lacquered, or other type of finish. For a smooth and shiny surface that looks like glass, or to give a piano case a hand-polished satin luster, we use a shellac glaze or protective natural beeswax over stained wood. These are just two of the many fine finishes utilized by our world-class artisans in the rebuilding process. We specialize in period color matching and faux graining. Our wood- working department can replicate any missing or damaged parts. We routinely receive re-manufactured parts from around the world for faux graining (e.g. legs, lyre, etc.).

The actual process of piano refinishing begins by first removing the old finish and washing the case to get rid of any chemical residue. Second, the piano is evaluated for any damages to the case and veneer, and, if necessary, repairs are made by our master woodworker. Third, the case and parts are sanded down and prepared for staining or priming. Finally, the piano is sent to our piano refinishing department, which begins the painstaking process of spraying and sanding in between coats. The wood finishes receive a second stain (the toner) to even out the color and are then sealed again. If necessary, a third and final stain is applied. The final finish requires multiple coats of finish followed by machine polish or hand rubbing. All the metal parts installed in the piano are either nickel plated or re-polished brass.

Typically, it takes about 12 to 14 weeks to refinish a grand piano. For a lacquer finish, an additional 2 to 3 weeks of drying time is required.

In spite of thousands of piano refinishing projects, we are still amazed each time at the transformation from what was formerly an ugly duckling of a piano into a swan-like grand beneath all of the previous layers of finish. In today's disposable consumer world, it's gratifying to know that a piano that was built fifty to one hundred years ago can be brought back to its original magnificent state. (Talk about a renewable resource!)

Whether your piano needs a touch-up performed in your home or if it requires a complete refinishing, our full service refinishing department is ready to service your needs. Please call us at (212) 765-7300 for an in-home consultation or contact us through our online form.