The Process of Refinishing Baby Grand Wood

Wood Types

• Most baby grand pianos are constructed of a core wood; perhaps poplar for the lid, maple for the rim and then a decorative veneer, such as mahogany, ebony or walnut. The soundboard is often made from Sitka spruce.

Beginning

• Refinishing begins by stripping the wood of the deteriorated finish and washing the case to get rid of any chemical residue. The soundboard is removed from the cabinet and is carefully inspected it to see if it warrants repair or needs replacement. If the soundboard can be repaired, cracks are filled with spruce soundboard shims, using the highest-quality wood glue. Baby grand restoration continues with close inspection of the bridge, which is also examined for splits or cracks, as well as corroded, oxidized or broken bridge pins.

Middle

• Once the old finish is removed, the wood is subjected to repeated sanding, using finer and finer garnet paper. This painstaking phase of the restoration process is crucial to ensure that the old finish has been removed from the wood completely. Then, after applying a very fine, light yellow stain, the soundboard is revarnished and resanded until the finish is perfectly smooth. Often this combination of sanding/varnishing is repeated a second time to even out the color. If necessary, a third and final coat of stain is applied. Immediately after sanding, the wood is prepared for staining or priming.

Final

• The final stage of refinishing a baby grand piano requires multiple coats (typically 20 to 25) of lacquer, followed by hand rubbing with the finest-quality polyester high-gloss finish. For a smooth and shiny surface that resembles glass, some professional refinishers use a shellac glaze or protective natural beeswax over the stained wood.