Jump to content

Recommended Posts

I have a thirties Broadwood upright piano, mahogany case, which I've had for over thirty years, AARRRGGGHHH.


I'm very tempted to paint it white (:-$ ), but I'm worried it will affect the tone. It has a nice warm tone, which was the reason I bought it in the first place.


I've googled and there seem to be varying opinions about this.


Has anybody actually done it, and if so what was the result?


I'm never likely to want to sell it, so I'm not worried about affecting its value - if it still has any - but I won't do it if it would sound different.


Obviously I'd just paint the wooden parts which show, not the sound board.

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/24034-has-anyone-painted-a-piano/
Share on other sites

Sue paint is no different than varnish, people varnish pianos (though strictly speaking, from a furnish restoration perspective waxing/polishing is more 'proper').


Unless you're painting the strings and hammers inside you'll be fine. And if you're doing that shame on you and be careful you don't fall in !

Thanks all!


Womanofdulwich, lovely idea but it would take me years!


KK, the piano isn't varnished, it's got a sort of silk finish, I've never thought about it before but I guess it must be waxed.


Otta, good idea, though I didn't even know there was a piano shop in Kirkdale! I was going to ask my piano tuner but I wondered whether anybody here might have tried it.


Steveo, it looks fine, it's in good nick, I haven't fallen out of love with it, I am just going through a paint everything white phase :)) years after everybody else ......

We had a Collard & Collard Grand Piano fve of us slept under it during the was in the Air Raids. If I were able to paint it it would be to resemble a Morrison indoor Air Raid Shelter.

When it came to selling it, it was perfect but outdated the Auction House would not have it in display at the Auction rooms, as they said I would have to pay for its return home if it did not sell.

So it got the big hammer.

  • 4 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • We are the only specialist floor insulation company on the market to focus on insulating from below – meaning almost zero mess, disruption or noise! Warmdwell is extremely proud to receive the highest reviews for our professionalism, reliability, commitment and the all-round ease of doing business with us: we draw our team from professional, creative, educated backgrounds to provide a friendly, problem-solving team with the deepest integrity. We take real care of your home and aim to leave it as spotless as possible. Please check our Google Reviews to speak for us: "We were really pleased with their quote, communication, and with having the job done perfectly with almost zero disruption. We think they left the space cleaner than when they arrived, and we are definitely already getting the effects of a warmer room" – Miriam & Abed, Sevenoaks, Oct 2025 "Laurence and his team were extremely polite & helpful, and the work was performed over just 2 days with minimal disruption. It was absolutely the most relaxed work I have ever had performed on the house!" – Alistair, Cambridge, July 2025 "Extremely friendly, polite and efficient" – Diane, Forest Hill, June 2025 We are always keen to chat through your floor insulation options and provide as much free advice as we can, as well as free quotes and surveys – so why not ask us today about what is possible to protect your floors from the cold ventilation air blowing underneath, keep your heat in and warm up your home? We use high-performance mineral wool slabs, never foam, for so many reasons: it is the ideal flexible material for the irregularities of old floors; is breathable, working with the way your floor has successfully performed for perhaps 100 years or more; can easily be removed to access pipes and cables; and is completely non-combustible. A local business based in Crystal Palace, we work extensively around Dulwich, Herne Hill, Forest Hill, Lewisham, Tooting, Balham and across the south East of England. Please ask us about your floor insulation options or for local project case studies today! Phone Number: 02080792793 Email Address: [email protected] Website: https://warmdwell.co.uk/ View full listing
    • I would recommend the Dulwich Test and Service centre that used to be in Hindemanns road and then moved to the little Trading Estate off Tyrrel Road. I've used them very happily for nearly 40 years. Paul and Reg Shires. 
    • Such a shame as Dells is fantastic - a decent local business providing a great service to residents.
    • Ha ha that's hilarious - how wonderfully embarrassing for Reform!
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...