How do you go about buffing out very light surface scratches from a glossy black piano? I had heard one time that car wax works. I have a bit too much invested to do something other than what is "tried and true". Thanks much.

Dear Deerwood,

The tools for work like this are simple, but the work is not. My best advice is to pay a few dollars and have someone who has experience in the field do a perfect job.

If he has to fix the scratches AND your mistakes it will cost more in the long run.

My 2 cents,

Excellent advice, Rich, which I will follow. Thank you.

Hi Matt (DD),

Good that you are taking Rich's advice. Let me also add that there is nothing unique about a piano finish. Check to find a good furniture repair shop as not many piano techs are very skilled with wood finishes.

Marty gives good advice. Just make sure they have experience with polyester finishes. (I assume your Mason is polyester).

Good luck,

Thanks Marty!

Yes, Rich, it is polyester (I assume). Thanks again.

It depends how severe the swirls are. If very minor, a wax or sealant can help hide swirls and add a bit shine, but won't actually polish them out.

If you need some polishing action to cut down the swirls I'd start with the least aggressive product first to see where it gets you. These gloss finishes are pretty durable, but always test in an inconspicuous area first. I'd follow Marty's recommendation of contacting a furniture repair shop for more info.

For me a bit of guitar gloss worked great. But only for very light scratches.

Rich, how much $ are you really talking about? I would think a lot more than 'a few'

A house call for surface scratches that requires 2 hours in the home (which I cannot see so I am guessing on labor) should not exceed $300.00, and could be less than that - or more in some areas (like Manhattan or LA).