Wondering how to remove scratches from pianos? Pianos unfortunately get bumped, scratched, and scuffed occasionally.
Scratches on a piano’s finish can be caused by various factors, including accidental impacts, moving the piano, contact with sharp or abrasive objects, or improper cleaning and maintenance.
This guide has methods for dealing with various scuffs and types of scratches on your piano. From minor surface blemishes to deeper, more significant scratches, our techniques will help you care for your piano.
Related posts:
How to Move a Piano Across the Room (In 8 Steps)
How to Sell a Piano: Full Guide 2023
How to Remove Scratches From Pianos? Ultimate Guide
Contents
Minor scratches can be DIY-repaired with the right techniques and materials but deep scratches may require professional help. It’s essential to assess the severity of the scratches before attempting any repair. So, how to remove scratches from pianos?
Materials Required
- Soft Microfiber Cloth
- Mild Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Furniture Polish or Wax (Cory)
- Scratch Repair Kit or Filler
- Fine-grit Sandpaper
- Buffer Wheel
Tips:
- Use felt or rubber pads under objects that come in contact with the piano and avoid placing items on the piano’s surface unnecessarily.
- Be cautious when moving or cleaning it. Regularly dust and maintain the piano to keep the finish in good condition.
- The impact on the piano’s value depends on the extent of the damage and the quality of the repair. A well-executed repair can maintain or even enhance the piano’s value, while a botched repair can decrease it.
- Regularly inspect your piano’s finish for scratches, and address minor issues as they arise. It’s essential to maintain the instrument’s appearance and protect its value over time.
Method 1: Polishing for Minor Scratches
With very light scuffs in a small area, you need a light touch and to work the area by hand. Buffing machines are available and used by professionals, but fine sandpaper can also be used to sand out scuffs.
1. Clean the Surface
Scuffs are groups of tiny scratches that combine to create a scuff in an otherwise mirror-sheen finish on your piano. To prevent creating more scuffs you must first clean your piano surface to ensure there is no dust or dirt.
Gently clean the piano’s surface. A soft, microfiber cloth, accompanied by a solution of mild dish soap and warm water is what is required. Ensure a tender touch, preventing water from permeating the wood’s finish.
2. Sand
The numbers start at 60 (very coarse grit), and go up to several thousand (extremely smooth). You can find these at most hardware stores. For paint correction though, these grits are too abrasive.
For piano finish sanding you need micro-mesh sanding sheets. These are ideal for sanding the top layer of a piano, and the 600 grit. When sanding out scuffs to the top layer, these sanding cloths are ideal.
The 12000 grit sheets below will produce a wonderful-looking finish. If you are not comfortable with this step and are concerned about creating more scratches or scuffs to your piano’s finish, consider contacting a professional piano repair service.
3. Polish
Removing scratches from your piano requires quality furniture polish or wax. This act minimizes the visual impact of minor scratches, creating a finish that shines with brilliance.
The Cory piano cleaning kit below is an excellent and professional choice for polishing and waxing your piano.
4. Disinfecting Piano Keys
When cleaning and polishing your piano, it is important to remember to care for the keybed as well. To disinfect your piano keys, over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide available from any pharmacy, is safe for piano keys.
Start by dampening a cotton pad with hydrogen peroxide and use it to wipe down the piano keytops, back to front. Use diluted alcohol-based disinfectants. Do not use bleach-based disinfectants or any product containing citrus.
If using a spray or liquid bottle, use disposable pads or soft cloths. Put the disinfectant on the towel first and apply. Do not spray the piano surface. Always follow up with a dry towel and never leave any liquids on the piano or keys.
Scratches on piano keys can be challenging to repair and may require key replacement or professional refinishing. Prevention is key, so avoid using sharp or abrasive objects on the keys.
How to Fix Piano Keys That Stick?
How to Clean Piano Keys: Ivory & Plastic
Method 2: Scratch Repair Kits
If you can feel a scratch with your finger or fingernail, then this is a larger scratch and requires more work than a scuff. It will likely have to be filled before it can be completely removed or concealed.
1. Repair Kit and Buffing Wheel
A suitable scratch repair kit can also help you when repairing your piano’s finish. Opt for kits that include filling sticks and markers, so that you have the resources for effective scratch concealment and removal.
A buffing wheel is an excellent addition to your piano repair kit as it speeds up the process of sanding down a scratch, and can be used as the last process to fully conceal scratches and scuffs.
When using a buffing wheel, do not overuse it, and beware of friction/heat which can cause damage. Use it in short bursts and preferably with a compound.
It is also recommended to sand and buff a larger area than the area with scratches/scuffs, so you blend the finish evenly, to its former reflective glory.
2. Fine Tuning with Fill Sticks and Markers
When thinking about how to remove scratches from a piano, note that fill sticks and markers play a pivotal role. They help to camouflage minor blemishes and maximize your piano’s existing shine and finish.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s performance notes to execute this step without causing further marks or damage.
Method 3: Deep Scratches
1. Sanding
Major scratches require more profound restoration measures. Sanding using fine-grit sandpaper restores the smooth surface, ready for the following repairs.
Not all scratches can be completely removed, especially deep ones that penetrate the wood or underlying layers. Superficial scratches are typically easier to address.
Consult a professional repair surface if you feel the scratches, dents, or damage of any other kind is too much for you to repair on your own.
2. Cleaning
Cleaning your piano should be the final step after you have finished repairing scuffs and scratches on your piano finish. Apply a touch-up marker to further refine the sanded areas into a glossy, reflective surface.
FAQ
1. How Can I Prevent My Piano From Scratching My Floor?
Piano caster cups will help to prevent your piano from scratching your floor. They are available in music shops and online from Amazon:
2. How to Remove Scratches From A Piano Bench?
You can remove scratches from a piano bench with some polishing compound, and the piano wax from Cory listed above. Start with a damp cloth to remove dust and smudges, then proceed with applying piano polish. Then buff it out and admire your handiwork!
3. What Are the Do’s and Dont’s of Piano Cleaning?
Wipe your piano’s keyboard frequently with a clean piece of soft cloth, very lightly dampened with plain water.
It is advisable to test new solutions on a small unexposed area of the finish (such as underneath) to ensure that the product will not damage the finish.
Regularly waxing and polishing is not recommended, as this can lead to build-up which can only be safely removed by trained professionals. Never use solvents of any kind to clean the black or white keys of an acoustic piano.
Don’t put pots, vases, pictures, drinks, or objects of any kind on top of the piano. The finish can be damaged by any objects placed on the piano, and the sound may also be hampered.
Related posts:
The Best Yamaha Grand Pianos Reviewed: 6 Ultimate Grands
How Long Do Digital Pianos Last?
Conclusion
If you have some nasty scratches or marks on your otherwise beautiful acoustic piano, I hope I have helped you figure out the best way to remove them! Good luck, and make sure to be careful when you are restoring your instrument.
When in doubt, consult a professional!
