Karen: You didn't mention how old the piano is. Sometimes the old finish gets deteriorated and water-spots easily. Here's some things to try: Get some steel wool and rub along the grain, gently with water and wool wax lubricant (or a little dish soap added to water, drop or two per quart). Wipe dry. You may have to do the whole area, lid, sides, wherever the spots are. Change the water frequently. It will get gunky fast. Be sure to rub with the grain STRAIGHT, using both hands, and use a rubber or felt block, or use a new steel wool pad and your palm. If simply wiping with a damp cloth won't get rid of the spots, you'll have to do the above. Using a french polishing technique, you could pad over the spots, and then use a light dry rubbing over it with steel wool to restore the satin sheen. If the finish is a "spray satin" (no rubbing lines) you could mist a new coat of lacquer over the area, but you will have to do the whole area. Mask carefully. I have rubbed out many Steinways in this fashion. You could use pumice stone powder and rubbing oil in the manner of the steel wool above, but it is messy. I'm sure others may have other methods. Good luck, Paul McCloud San Diego
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