Refinishing & Restoration

Restoring Timeless Beauty

A piano's cabinet is more than just a housing—it's a work of art, often representing decades or even centuries of cabinetmaking excellence. Whether your piano bears the marks of family gatherings, has suffered environmental damage, or simply shows the patina of age, our refinishing services restore its original splendor while preserving its historical character.

We approach each refinishing project with the reverence it deserves, carefully assessing the existing finish, identifying the original techniques used, and applying traditional methods alongside modern materials when appropriate.

French Polishing

French polishing is a centuries-old technique that produces the deepest, most lustrous finish achievable on wood. Using shellac applied in many thin coats with a padded applicator, we build up a finish that enhances the wood's natural grain and chatoyance while providing durable protection.

This labor-intensive process requires patience, experience, and an understanding of how each coat interacts with the wood. The result is a finish that cannot be replicated by modern spray methods—a depth and warmth that becomes more beautiful with age.

Cabinet Repair & Restoration

From water ring stains to deep scratches, sun fading to veneer damage, we address a wide range of cabinet issues. Our restoration services include:

• Veneer repair and replacement using period-appropriate materials
• Scratch and dent removal through careful color-matching and touch-up
• Water damage remediation and finish restoration
• Hardware restoration, replating, or replacement with authentic parts
• Structural repairs to loose joints, cracked trim, or damaged moldings
• Re-gluing and stabilizing of lifting veneer or separating components

Color Matching & Touch-Up

When complete refinishing isn't necessary, our color-matching experts can blend repairs seamlessly with existing finish. We analyze the original color tones, grain patterns, and wear characteristics to create invisible repairs that preserve the piano's original appearance.

The Refinishing Process

A complete refinishing project typically requires 4-8 weeks, depending on the scope of work. The process begins with careful documentation and photography of the current condition. The piano is then disassembled, with hardware removed and protected.

Existing finish is carefully stripped using methods appropriate to the era and construction. The wood is then prepared through progressive sanding to a perfectly smooth surface. French polishing proceeds in our climate-controlled environment, requiring numerous coats with proper curing time between each.

Finally, the piano is reassembled, hardware installed, and a final inspection ensures every detail meets our exacting standards.