All,

I have an aquaintance that owns an older upright piano that the finish is "cracking" on.  I'm suspicioning that it's crazing due to age, conditions and use. 

That being said, until I get a chance to look at the instrument, are there a collective ideas on (1) what finish type was used and (2) what type of stripper can remove the topcoat without damaging the underlying finish.

I'm hoping this is a shellac/laquer style of finish that can be "removed" with elbow grease and a gentle touch before reapplication.

Thoughts are appreciated.

Will

(BTW it's nice to be back)

Will,

I would try something like Formby's furniture refinisher first, it may save the original finish. I used it on an old oak dresser and it looked real good afterwards. The finish was cracked also.

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Just a bump to see if I can get other suggestions.  Larry, I will pass the Formby's suggestion on.  I've had good luck with that product, so it might just be the ticket.

 

Will

Will, I am sorry there aren't many replies on this one, I think where the nervousness lies with replying is, and it was my concern, that there must a be a special finishing compound for pianos that the builders use.

I am thinking in terms of stringed instruments, where it is prohibited to just throw any old finish on it, you cannot just spray poly over a guitar, or a violin, you will damage the intonations and the sound of the instrument, and this is why I had not answered your original post, because I know absolutely nothing about pianos and their characteristics. Does the fact that it is a massive instrument mean you can use virtually any finishing schedule? Or do we need to be very careful of certain varnishes or lacquers, they could damage the tone of the piano, I don't know.

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

John,

I'm not sure if the finish will change the sound of the piano or not.  That being said, the unit in question is being restored, with keys being replaced and we also discussed local piano tuners who would come in and bring the instrument into tune.

My friend really wants to simply remove the crazed topcoat, not strip to bare wood.  However, since he's a little OCD, nothing would surprise me in the long run.

Will

formbys is the stuff i use, it allows you to remove the top coat and not strip it completely.

You also haven't told us WHAT type of finish is on it ( black lacquer, stain and shellac, etc.).

I've used it on alot of antiques over the years and never been dissappointed in the product.  It DOES however take a learning curve to know how much to remove and how much to leave.  DON'T switch to a clean rag in the middle of the process ot you WILL remove stain and change the color. You use the same rag.  it's also great to "blend" finish onto repaired spots.  You have to do the WHOLE piece. Follow directions explicitly.

 

you haven't said whether its a baby grand  or an upright.

  No, it will not change the sound (most of the sound comes from the soundboard on the inside of the piano) unless you strip it and leave the finish off of it (bare wood resonates slightly differently than finished wood).

most Finishes  that I know of are like plastics in that the smell of the smoke you get when you cook a little of it off is uttterly and completely distinct one from another.  Once you smell one you'll never forget it.  No two types smell the same.

Of course you have to have controls first to cook off.

 There should be a name brand on the piano. Get it's serial number and call the  manufacturer.

Failing that there is a wealth of piano rebuilding information on the web.   there is  a whole community of people who share information freely  google around.