DIY Paint Your Piano!
by
Joy
Easy
I have a story to share with you today.
Growing up – I loved watching old Hollywood movies, from the clever scripts to the glamorous set designs. I swooned when the actress would make her grand entrance into a well-lit room in a beautiful gown and glide over to an impeccably dressed gentleman who,of course, would be wooing the lovely lady with his piano skills. Then a full orchestra from out of nowhere would begin playing and the couple would jump up from the piano and begin to dance. I am telling you, those movies made a great impact on my dreams. I still get giddy when my favorite (I have hundreds, ha!) movie comes on TCM.
Time marches on and the idea of having a piano in my home stayed with me. One morning I read about a piano sale and felt the need to go and take a “look-see”. The hubby had just gotten our tax return back and said if I could find a piano for that exact amount… go for it. So, armed with $795.00 and a good friend who is a gifted pianist, I set forth to find my piano.
Growing up – I loved watching old Hollywood movies, from the clever scripts to the glamorous set designs. I swooned when the actress would make her grand entrance into a well-lit room in a beautiful gown and glide over to an impeccably dressed gentleman who,of course, would be wooing the lovely lady with his piano skills. Then a full orchestra from out of nowhere would begin playing and the couple would jump up from the piano and begin to dance. I am telling you, those movies made a great impact on my dreams. I still get giddy when my favorite (I have hundreds, ha!) movie comes on TCM.
Time marches on and the idea of having a piano in my home stayed with me. One morning I read about a piano sale and felt the need to go and take a “look-see”. The hubby had just gotten our tax return back and said if I could find a piano for that exact amount… go for it. So, armed with $795.00 and a good friend who is a gifted pianist, I set forth to find my piano.
Well, as you can guess, finding a piano for $795 was not easy. Just as we were about to give up, I noticed a little unassuming jewel back in the corner of the room. My friend grabbed a bench from another piano (the little piano didn’t come with a bench) and began to play. The sound that came out of that little piano was absolutely beautiful. So much so, people gathered around. Once my friend finished playing, I asked the lady in charge how much did the little piano cost? She looked at me and said, “This little piano isn’t much of a piano, it has seen a lot of play time. Do you see the top? It’s damaged from irresponsible people.” I said, “I love the way this one sounds and I think she is lovely- how much would you take for her?” The lady looked at me and said “$795 tax and delivery included and I will throw in a bench – it won’t be the same color of wood but you will have a bench.” “SOLD, I said”.
Hello Gorgeous!
I used a stripper solution to take off what was left of the old stain and varnish. Then I used a 400 grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish. Notice the awful water stain? Even with the stripper and sanding… still there. It made the decision to paint even easier.
Time to prime! This is a VERY important step. I did two coats of primer and sanded in between dried coats.
I chose a Behr paint color called “Broadway” as my base coat. I also lightly sanded in between these coats as well. I was really pushing for a smooth finish. *Please use a drop cloth when painting. I didn’t because these floors will be replaced due to water damage. I also used painter’s tape to protect the brass hinge and foot pedals.
I gave the ol’ girl three coats of the steel-gray semi opaque metallic finish. Seriously – how fabulous is this color?!?
A couple of coats of Modern Masters Sealer and she is ready for her debut!
I am so happy with the results! Imagine her when the room is complete….I just might have to dress in a ball gown.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 comments
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Very nice- you gave it new life!
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I recently acquired an old piano as well! And it could certainly do with a makeover, you did a really beautiful job.
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