Refinishing a piano

[Les Smith]

Hi, Mark. Actually that old Wirlitzer grand should be a great piano
with which to begin your refinishing experience. Although not piano-
specific, a great general reference book on refinishing is "The
Woodfinishing Book" by Michael Dresdner, which is published by the
Taunton Press. It covers everything from stripping, repairing damage,
veneering, sealing, grain-filling, and staining, to top-coating and
rubbing out the final finish. Even more important it is brand-specific
and includes an extensive reference section in the back with addresses
of suppliers and the like. Also it is up-to-date. Because of environ-
mental concerns, many products widely in use ten years ago are no longer
available today, additionally many environmentally-friendly products
have appeared in recent years and they're all covered in the book. Also,
if you go down to your friendly woodworking store, pick up a copy of
"Fine Woodworking" magazine. You'll find a coupon in there for a free
catalog of a whole series of refinishing books and videos published by
the Taunton Press. There's enough there to keep you busy for a LONG time!

Many techs refinish one piano and never do another,  prefering to stick
to piano work and leaving the refinishing for the pros. Others enjoy the
refinishing work immensely. Eventually, if you stick with it, you might
want to consider moving up to spray equipment and the like. However, in
the meantime, although it's not as fast, you'll find that you can do a
fine job with a brush-on finish. Since the most common piano wood you'll
be encountering will be mahogany, pay attention to the use of grain-fillers
which are necessary to fill the pores in the wood in order to achieve a
smooth top-coat. The only way you'll ever learn refinishing is by doing it.
Go for it!

Les Smith
lessmith@buffnet.net