How to prevent scratches?

[violinist]

I've started putting scratches on the piano.. the part that says the name of the piano - also the place in front (or in back) of the keyes.  The part that says "Piano Street" in the picture above.  How do I prevent scratches there?  Is there some kind of plastic I can put there?

[bearzinthehood]

Generally those kinds of scratches can be buffed out.

[allthumbs]

I'm guessing that the finish on your Model B is satin.
If it is, those kind of marks are inevitable as the satin finish is hard to maintain. They can be buffed out, but one has to be very careful not to rub too hard as you could end up "polishing" the finish which you would want to avoid.

I would suggest that if it gets too bad, get a professional to do the job.



Cheers

allthumbs

[violinist]

Yup, my finish is satin.  ohh.. I almost wrote Satan!

[Axtremus]

Yeah, satin finish is bad for that reason... just keep your nails short and nicely filed all the time?

[violinist]

Thanks Axtremus,

I've heard some of your recordings and looked at pictures of your microphone placements.  You are amazing!

I wonder how those people play with long nails.  I think I saw on a cliburn competition some girl had long nails and she was playing quite well.  She probably scratched up the van cliburn piano to hell.

[lau]

Don't cut the corner of your nails, you could end up with a in-grown nail

[tosca1]

With  the inevitable "wear and tear"of years of use, piano finishes will develop scratches.
I have noticed on my piano that even where the front of lid is turned back and rests on the opened lid, there is a line of fine scuff marks caused by the vibrations when the piano is played.

Most gloss finishes on newer pianos are polyester and the light scratches from dust or scuffing can easily be buffed away with a brass cleaning product called "Brasso". 
I have tried it and was delighted with the result.  It was recommended by the local Steinway agent. However, I would first advise that you try this method on an inconspicuous part of the piano.  Make sure that your cloth is very soft and scrupulously clean as you must rub quite vigorously. Use a circular motion.
I do not know if this would work effectively on a satin finish.

Good luck.
Robert.

[allthumbs]

I do not know if this would work effectively on a satin finish.

Good luck.
Robert.

No it wouldn't, any rubbing has to be in the direction of the finish grain.