Restoring a Vintage Piano
Heritage Restoration was commissioned to restore an 80-year-old Baldwin Acrosonic piano that had endured decades of use across three generations. The instrument showed extensive scratches and discoloration. To restore its original beauty, the piano was carefully disassembled, and the old finish was stripped to reveal the natural wood grain beneath. The surfaces were then refinished with seven layers of stain and protective coating, resulting in a rich texture and glossy shine. Following a final professional tuning, the piano was returned to full, playable condition.
In Depth
Due to its age and extensive use, this Baldwin Acrosonic piano—and its matching bench—suffered from numerous surface scratches and a heavily worn finish that diminished its overall appearance.
To begin the restoration, Heritage’s team carefully disassembled the exterior wooden components. Using chemical solvents, the old finish—along with the original, faded manufacturer’s decal—was removed, revealing the natural wood grain beneath.
The piano was then moved to our dedicated paint room. The keys were removed and meticulously cleaned. The exposed wood was stained from a light tan to a deep, reddish-brown tone and allowed to cure overnight.
Next, seven layers of protective finish were applied to all surfaces, restoring the piano’s sheen while safeguarding it against future wear, including moisture damage. A replica of the original manufacturer’s decal was sourced and precisely reapplied to the headboard before final sealing.
Once the finish was fully cured, the instrument received a final tuning. After 84 years of continual use, the Baldwin Acrosonic was fully restored to its former beauty—both in sound and appearance.
Click the video to hear the transformation, performed by our resident pianist.
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