Whether you are thinking of buying a new piano or simply need to freshen up your current one, learning how to paint a piano can be a fun activity for all ages. There are some basic steps to follow to ensure that you’ll be able to give your piano the professional look it deserves.
Preparing Your Piano
Having your piano painted is a great way to update your home. It’s a fairly inexpensive project, and a beautiful statement piece at the same time. If you decide to paint your piano, you will need to make sure that you take the time to do it right. If you don’t, you could end up with a mess that costs a lot of money to repair.
The first step in preparing your piano before painting is to clean the area thoroughly. The best way to do this is with soap and water. You should also be sure to cover the pedals and keys with tape to protect them from paint.
Next, you will need to purchase a few items. These include a lint-free rag, a foam brush, and a drop cloth. You should also buy two large cans of paint. The average piano will need two, but if you’re working on a grand piano, you’ll need three.
You will need a primer to give your paint a better chance at sticking. You will also want to make sure that you use the best paint for your piano. There are many types of paint, and you can choose from gloss, semi-gloss, and eggshell. It’s a good idea to pick a color that complements your house. You might consider a matte finish if you’re looking to hide some of the imperfections in your piano’s wood.
While you’re at it, you might want to pick up some piano wax. This product not only creates a nice finish, but it also seals in the paintwork you’ve done. The best part is that it can be applied using a rag.
You can also buy a small brush and use it to do fine detail work. You should also be sure to buy a microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess paint from your piano keys. This will save you from a headache later on.
Finally, you’ll need to apply at least two coats of the appropriate paint. You’ll need to wait a few hours between coats.
Applying The Finish
Whether you’re painting a new piano or giving your old one a makeover, you’ll need to know how to apply the finish to your piano. A piano’s finish is usually either high gloss or matte. While the finish is very durable, you will want to take care of your piano and its surface to keep it looking its best.
The first step to applying the finish to your piano is to use a brush or spray painter. You’ll need a wide paintbrush to work with. You’ll also need primer. You can use a Zinsser primer, which sticks to everything. You’ll also need a tack cloth, which will remove any sanding dust.
The final step is to apply a clear satin protective finish. This will provide the piano with a glossy sheen. You can also use tinted wax to darken the shade. This gives a dappled effect.
After the finish is applied, you will need to clean the piano with a mild soap solution. If you have ornate parts, you may need to apply a stripper. You’ll also need to clean the finish with a product specifically designed for a satin finish.
After the finish is applied, you should let it dry for at least a day. You’ll also need to wipe the piano with a lint-free cloth. You should also wait until the previous coat has dried completely before you apply another coat. You can add a little bit of petroleum jelly to the finish to keep it from coming into contact with metal or other surfaces.
Applying Clear Wax
Using clear wax to paint a piano is a great way to add a glossy finish to your piano. It allows the natural color of the paint to show through and gives the piano a gleaming look. However, applying clear wax can be messy, and there are a few steps you must follow to ensure a flawless finish.
First, you must clean the piano. You can remove any dirt or grime by wiping it with a lint-free cloth or rag. You may also want to cover the keys with a drop cloth to keep the paint from falling on them. You can then paint the piano with a spray painter to ensure an even coat. You can also use a Wooster brush to paint the keys.
After the painting process is complete, it is time to protect your piano. You can cover the piano with a drop cloth to prevent the chalk paint from getting on the keyboard or other parts. You can also apply painter’s tape to protect the parts of the piano.
Before you begin, make sure the piano is completely dry. If you do not, your paint might not adhere properly and could damage the piano. In addition, the inside of the piano is comprised of thousands of delicate pieces, so it is important to protect them.
Next, you must sand the area with fine sandpaper. This will smooth out any imperfections and will help the paint to adhere better. If you do not have fine sandpaper, you can use a medium Jolie sanding pad.
Avoid Painting Your Piano’s Keys
Unless you plan to put in a lot of effort, you should avoid painting the keys of your piano. Painting the keys can leave your piano looking unsightly and it can also ruin your piano.
It’s a good idea to use mild soap and water to clean your piano. This is better than using chemical-based cleaners. Some of these types of cleaners can actually damage your piano’s keys.
You should also keep your hands clean and dry before playing the piano. It’s a good idea to protect your piano keys with painter’s tape, which will help to prevent accidental drips.
When you’re ready to begin painting the keys, make sure to choose a paint that’s appropriate for your piano. A piano with a high gloss finish may need sanding before you can apply the paint. You should also be prepared to apply two coats. You’ll need to allow your piano to dry overnight before applying the second coat.
You should also consider securing a drop cloth or other type of cover for the piano. You can also use painter’s tape to secure the drop cloth. This will protect your keys and important information.
You’ll also need a wide brush for the painting process. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to dust the keys. You should use a lint-free cloth for your white keys. If you’re painting black keys, you might want to use a microfiber cloth. If your piano has a matte finish, you can use chalk paint.