Alexei Volkov
Painting a piano can be an easy, cheap way to refresh and restyle your home. With a little patience and some basic tools, you can transform your piano into a colourful statement piece. If you're painting plastic piano keys, you'll need to take the piano apart and remove the keys. Sand the keys down with 400-grit sandpaper, then spray paint them with plastic paint. Avoid sanding too much, as this will damage the keys. If you don't want to paint the keys, you can clean them with a vinegar and water solution for plastic keys, or a damp cloth with gentle soap for ivory keys.
Characteristics and Values Table for Painting Plastic Piano Keys
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Type | Plastic paint |
| Paint Application | Paint sprayer, paintbrush, or roller |
| Paint Coats | At least two, with sanding in between |
| Key Protection | Painter's tape, plastic sheeting, or brown craft paper |
| Primer | One large can, applied with a wide paintbrush |
| Paint Amount | Two large cans |
| Paint Finish | Matte, semi-gloss, or gloss |
| Drying Time | At least one hour between coats |
| Waxing | Required for sealing and protection |
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What You'll Learn
Cover the keys with painter's tape and plastic
Covering your piano keys with painter's tape and plastic is a crucial step in preparing to paint your piano. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, acquire the necessary materials: painter's tape, preferably blue in colour, and plastic sheets or cloth. The blue painter's tape is specifically designed to be removed without leaving residue, which is ideal for protecting your piano keys. As for the plastic, you can opt for a thin plastic sheet or a plastic cloth that can be easily draped over the keys.
Before you begin, ensure the piano keys are clean and free of any dust or debris. This step is essential, as any dust underneath the tape or plastic can cause an uneven surface and affect the overall smoothness of your paint job. A quick wipe-down with a soft, dry cloth should suffice.
Now, start by taping off the piano keys. Carefully apply the painter's tape along the edges of the keys, creating a straight line that separates the keys from the rest of the piano. Make sure the tape is securely adhered to the piano, with no gaps or lifted edges, as paint can easily seep through. This step may require patience and a steady hand.
Once the keys are securely taped off, it's time to drape the plastic over them. Carefully lay the plastic sheet or cloth across the keys, ensuring it covers the entire area. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases, as these can also allow paint to seep through. Secure the plastic in place by adding another layer of painter's tape along the edges of the plastic sheet or cloth.
As a final check, press down on a few keys to ensure they are fully covered and that the plastic and tape are securely in place. This will help prevent any accidental paint splatters or drips from reaching the keys.
Now that the keys are protected, you can confidently move on to the painting stage, knowing that the keys will be preserved exactly as they were before.
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Sanding the keys
First, you need to remove the piano keys from the piano. This will allow you to access the keys easily and protect the rest of the piano from any dust or paint with tape and coverings. You can do this by taking the piano apart; the keys will usually just pull up and out. It is important to cover any areas you don't want dust or paint to enter with tape and paper.
Once the keys are exposed, you can begin sanding. Use 400-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the keys. This will create a slightly rough texture that will help the paint stick. Be careful not to over-sand the keys, as this can damage them. A light sanding is all that is needed to create the right surface for painting.
After sanding, it is a good idea to clean the keys to remove any dust or residue. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the keys, ensuring that all the dust from sanding is removed. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any remaining dust or particles.
Now, you are ready to start painting. It is recommended to use plastic paint, especially designed for painting plastic surfaces. Spray paint is a good option for an even and light application. Follow the instructions for your chosen paint, and apply a thin coat to the keys. Allow this coat to dry completely before deciding if a second coat is needed.
Finally, once the painting is complete and the paint is dry, you can remove any remaining tape or coverings from the piano and admire your handiwork! Sanding the keys is an important step in the process of painting plastic piano keys, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.
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Using a paint sprayer
Painting a piano is a fun way to add new life to an old piece. It is important to note that you should never paint over the soundboard of the piano, as it will affect the quality of the sound and music.
If you are using a paint sprayer, the first step is to disassemble the keyboard and take apart anything that can be easily removed. This includes the foot pedal mechanism, the back legs, and the piece that holds the music sheet. It is also recommended to tape up the keys and the inner workings of the piano to prevent any paint from getting on them. Use plastic drop cloths or old newspapers to cover your work surface and the surrounding area, as well as any walls nearby, to protect them from overspray.
Once you have prepared the area, lightly sand the keys with sandpaper to rough them up. This will help the paint adhere better to the keys. You can also wash the keys with mineral oil before sanding. After sanding, apply a coat of primer to the keys. A plastic adhesion primer is recommended for the best finish and to prevent chipping or wear.
When the primer is dry, you can start spraying paint. Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastic is a good option, preferably with a gloss finish. You may need to apply a few coats of paint to achieve the desired colour and finish.
Finally, once the paint is dry, apply a clear coat to protect the paint and keep it from chipping or fading. You can also use wax to protect the paint and give it a nice sheen.
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Applying primer
When applying primer to plastic piano keys, it is important to prepare the work area and materials properly to ensure a smooth and even finish. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Work Area: Before starting, make sure you have a well-ventilated workspace, as primer and paint fumes can be strong. Cover the surrounding area with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect it from any spills or overspray. If painting indoors, consider taping these drop cloths or tarps to nearby walls for additional protection.
- Gather the Materials: You will need a large can of primer, a wide paintbrush (or multiple brushes if you have helping hands), and some paint trays or containers for the primer.
- Protect the Piano Keys: This is a crucial step to ensure that the primer and paint do not damage the functional parts of the piano. Use strips of painter's tape to lay horizontally across the piano keys until they are completely covered. Alternatively, you can tape a rectangular sheet of plastic over the keys. If there are any other parts of the piano that you want to protect, such as the pedals or music stand, cover them with tape or remove them if possible.
- Apply the Primer: Once you have properly prepared and protected your work area and the piano, you can begin applying the primer. Use your wide paintbrush to apply an even coat of primer to the surface of the piano. Work quickly and in sections to avoid any dripping or unevenness. If you are working with helpers, each person can tackle a different section to speed up the process.
- Let the Primer Dry: After you have applied the primer, it is important to let it dry completely. This will take at least an hour, so use this time to put away the primer and wash your brushes, and prepare for the next step, which may include choosing your paint colour and finish.
- Sand the Primer (Optional): Depending on the desired smoothness and the condition of the primer after it has dried, you may choose to lightly sand the primed surface with fine-grit sandpaper (such as 400-grit). This can help create an even smoother base for your paint application. However, be cautious not to over-sand, especially if you are working with plastic piano keys, as too much sanding can damage them.
Remember, the application of primer is an important step in ensuring that your paint adheres properly and that your finished product looks smooth and professional. Take your time, work carefully, and always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturers of your chosen materials.
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Waxing the piano
When waxing the piano, it is important to use the right products to ensure the piano is not damaged. Piano ONE by MusicNomad is an example of an all-in-one cleaner, polish, and wax product that is safe for acoustic and electric pianos with gloss finishes. It is infused with white Brazilian carnauba wax to deliver a transparent, protective shield with a high gloss shine. It also contains UV protectants and anti-static agents to reduce the binding of dust to the surface.
To wax your piano, start by ensuring the piano is clean and free of dust and fingerprints. You can use a microfiber cloth, such as the MusicNomad Dusting and Polishing cloth, to gently wipe down the surface of the piano. Once the piano is clean, you can apply the wax. Follow the instructions on the product you are using, as different products may have different application methods. Typically, you will spray or apply the wax directly to the piano and then use a clean, soft cloth to buff it out.
It is important to note that you should never use solvents of any kind to clean the keys of your piano, as they can damage the fine finish. Always use products specifically designed for piano care, such as the MusicNomad Piano ONE or Key ONE cleaners, to ensure the safety of your instrument. These products are designed to be safe and effective for pianos and are used by musicians, repair shops, and instrument makers worldwide.
Additionally, be sure to keep foreign objects off the top of your piano. Pots, vases, pictures, drinks, or any other objects can damage the finish and negatively impact the sound of the piano. Regular cleaning and waxing will help to keep your piano looking and sounding its best.
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Frequently asked questions
Before painting your piano keys, you must first take the piano apart. Once the keys are exposed, you can pull them out. Then, sand them down a little with 400-grit sandpaper. You can also use painter's tape to protect the keys from getting paint on them.
It is ideal to use plastic paint for painting plastic piano keys. Spraying the paint on is a good idea to ensure the paint is applied lightly and evenly.
If you are using a paint sprayer, cover the area you are working in to avoid overspray. You can also paint the piano by hand, but a sprayer will result in a quicker and smoother finish.
Once you are happy with how the paint looks, leave the piano somewhere to dry. Then, wax your piano to seal in the paintwork and create a beautiful finish.
