How to Refinish a Piano With Veneer Wood

Repairing loose veneer

• 1

  Inspect the piano for lifted or split veneer. Inject wood glue with a syringe under any pieces that are loose or cracked.

• 2

  Cover any damaged areas with wax paper and place a scrap of hardwood lumber over the wax paper to press the damaged veneer back into place.

• 3

  Clamp the lumber snugly with C-clamps or bar clamps and allow the glue to dry overnight. Remove the clamps, lumber pads and wax paper from repaired areas.

Stripping the Old Finish

• 4

  Apply a coat of water-based stripper, using a disposable paintbrush. Work with small sections so that you can scrape off the stripper before it dries.

• 5

  Allow the recommended working time, then scrape the stripper and old finish from the piano with a nylon scraper. Scrape the used stripper into a covered metal container for disposal.

• 6

  Spread stripper on a new section, overlapping the first section for adequate coverage. Continue working across the surface of the piano, applying stripper and scraping off the old finish. Work detailed sections with a nylon scrubber to remove the finish. Rinse the surface of the wood with a rag wet with odorless mineral spirits to remove old stripper and any finish residue. Allow the piano to dry to the touch.

Finishing the Veneer

• 7

  Sand the veneer lightly with 220-grit sandpaper, working with the grain. Work by hand or with a sanding block.

• 8

  Wipe the surface with a tack cloth. Apply two coats of stain and clear finish all-in-one in your choice of color and finish sheen. Work with a soft-bristled paintbrush in line with the grain of the veneer. Start with detailed and hard-to-reach areas first to ensure adequate coverage.

• 9

  Spread the finish evenly to prevent runs. Allow three hours between coats and 24 hours before returning the piano to normal use.