House to Home with Debbie Travis
Dear Debbie;
I have an old piano that is quite badly marked. What type of paint can I use to refinish it? Rose
Dear Rose
My advice depends on the look you are after. If you want the wood to have a silky smooth factory finish, I suggest you have the job done professionally.
I imagine you have an upright piano, and there are many sections or panels to cover, including the ones that meet the keyboard. You can tackle it yourself as long as you take the time to protect the workings of the piano.
Remove any panels you can and paint them separately. Proceed as you would with refinishing any wood furniture. Fill in any gouges or deep scratched with wood filler. Build up the filler, applying small amounts, letting dry and sanding in between applications.
Prime with a high adhesive primer that is meant to cover and seal a glossy finish. Once dry, choose any good quality acrylic paint. Use a brush as spray paint becomes airborne, not good for the piano strings. There are now paints available that can be applied straight onto sealed wood without using a primer.
Ask your paint store about them. For additional enhancement, you can buy cut pieces of moulding and scrollwork at your lumber yard to decorate or frame the music stand.
If it suits your style, decorate the sides with stencils, stamps or any whimsical paint finish. You will find examples of painted pianos on the internet that will get you inspired.