Polishing Polymer Piano Finishes
Polyester (or polymer) is tougher and more scratch-resistant than lacquer piano finishes, and therefore doesn’t require polishing. However, its reflective nature allows fingerprints to stand out. These can be removed using general piano cleaning habits.
If you decide to polish your piano’s polymer finish, avoid high-gloss products. These can highlight scratches, and make otherwise unseen flaws apparent. Steinway makes polishes designed for this type of finish, but polyester finishes are easily restored to their natural glow with a simple dusting.
Tips for Polishing a Polymer Piano
- Avoid any product containing alcohol or silicone. Alcohol will destroy the shine, and silicone can seep past the finish into the wood, causing damage.
- Wipe in the direction of the wood grain if you can see it. Since this may be difficult to detect, simply avoid wiping in circles to prevent scratching.
- On areas with many fine scratches, a gentle buffing can restore the original shine. Look for products used on high-gloss plastics or fiberglass, but beware of the ingredients listed in tip #1.
Remember: Always choose regular dustings over polishings, especially on polymer finishes. If you still need to liven up your instrument, try whitening your piano keys, and freshen up its look!
