Do you want a polished black like the import pianos or the black that was
used by American makers in the past?  Automobile paint supply stores have
what you need to the job.

The American finish was not high gloss, and was lacquer.  Fill any defects
in the wood with Bondo type material.  Block-sand the entire piano.  We
use a block as wide as the paper which is about 10 inches by five inches.
We use garnet paper 120 on the bare wood.

This is then followed by applying the proper primer to match the type of
lacquer we use.  There are primers for enamels that you do not want to
use.  The primer is sanded with a paper known as Fre-cut by 3M again with
the block and 180 grit.  You must get the surface perfectly flat.  Any
unevenness will show when you view a light reflecting off your final
finish.  Avoid use of a belt sander or other small power sander.

We then follow by spraying black automobile lacquer.  It takes several
coats and lots of sanding.  The black lacquer is sanded with wet or dry
320 first followed by 600 and then 1000 grit papers.  We rub the final
finish with 0000 steel wool and soapy water.  A little dish washing soap
mixed with water will work wonders.  This leaves the piano with the
traditional American black finish.  Sounds easy but it is a lot of work.

The import pianos do not use lacquer as it will not polish to the high
gloss that is so often seen.  They are finished with several different
types of materials.  The finish is most easily obtained by use of an
enamel type paint that you mix with a catalyst.  Timing is critical when
you use these finishes and is best left up to someone that has done them.

You local auto paint store can help you with these products.  You will
need an electric polishing machine to obtain the best results.  We use
3M machine polish and Maguire's plastic polish on these finishes.  Make
sure your piano is sanded and primed correctly.

Don Teach, Shreveport Music Co.
1610 E. Bert Kouns, Shreveport,  LA  71105