Grand Piano Refinishing – Wm. Knabe & Co Art Case

Surfaces Rx refinished this Antique Grand Piano Knabe & Wm Art Case onsite in a Turtle Creek Penthouse Condo that was being remodeling. After the musical instrument and keyboard were removed to be restored, Surfaces Rx stripped off the old finish, repaired all the scratches and gouges. 

Before we could prime the piano case, we needed to build a temporary paint booth to vent any vapors and odors through an operational window. Once that was completed we applied 2 coats of primer and then the matte black lacquerer base.

After allowing the lacquer to cure, Surfaces Rx hand-painted all the scrollwork with a custom antique gold colored paint before adding silver and gold leafing the scrollwork. The final step was to apply a clear sealer to protect the new piano art case's finish.  

Wm. Knabe & Co Art Case Grand Piano Before Refinishing


Built in the 1920's. Last Refinished 50 Year Ago.

Removing the Old Finish


Step 1. Remove the Old Finish and Repair Damages

Custom On-Site Paint Booth


Step 2. Follow Building Regulations to Vent Vapors

Priming the Grand Piano


Step 3.  After Repairs, Apply Two Coats of Primer

Matte Black Lacquer 


Step 4.  Apply Black Lacquer Before Hand-Painting the Scrollwork

Hand-Painting the Scrollwork


Step 5.  Hand-Plant Scrollwork

Antique Silver & Gold Leafing


Step 6.  Add Silver and Gold Leaf Highlighting to Scrollwork

After Antique Gold Leafing


Step 7.  Spray Clear Finish to Protect Gold Leafing on Scrollwork

Ready for the Instrument


Step 8.  Waiting for restored keyboard, keys, hammers, and strings before installing Piano Lid, Keyboard Cover and Music Stand.  

About the Author Mark Siebert

With his enthusiasm and dedication to achieving exceptional customer results, Mark has been instrumental in developing SurfaceRx Dallas into one of the premier wood refinishing solutions in Dallas. A skilled entrepreneur, Mark is the co-owner of the esteemed company and continually seeks new methods to refine their services.Enter your text here...

Enjoyed this article?

Find more great content here: