Successful removal of superficial scratches

[moy71]

My first ever  piano arrived last week.  Its a 1976 Yamaha U3.
The whole family loves it and there's a bit of a queue to use it

Anyway, there were some  superficial scratches on the surface which under certain visual angles are exaggerated.  This bothered a bit so after a lot of research, I read that certain non-agressive polishes might do the job.

Off I went to our local hardware store (Bunnings) and bought the least abrasive polish i could find.   Enter Turtle Wax Scratch N Swirl Remover.  At $10 for a small bottle, it wasnt cheap but I tried it anyway.

Armed with a good micro fibre cloth and gentle force,  I was able to work this polish around the areas with the light scratches.  Some scratches which were a little deeper needed more forceful rubbing. 

After using the turtlewax,  i polished the surface to a glossy shire and to remove all traces of it.   Then I used  Meguiars Kwik Detailing spray which gave an even glossier shine.

I am happy with the result overall as the light  superficial scratches have disappeared.  The deeper scratches that you can actually feel with your fingers appear to have lessened.  I think the turtlewax filled in the grooves somewhat and the spray afterwards blended it well.

The only issue I have with the Detailing Spray is that dust and fingerprints appear to be attracted to it.  I am now thinking of buying the Cory product that is quite popular on the piano forums...

[quantum]

Superficial scratches are a part of life for pianos with a poly finish.  Simple everyday things such as music books and dust can create micro scratches in the finish. Sure you can do things to prevent the buildup of scratches, but you are going to drive yourself nuts if you try to remove every single one.  They will just come back through the course of time with regular use.  

Some people like to cover up their piano with protective cloths, plastic, Saran wrap   (yes I've seen that on the personal piano of a professional musician), etc.  IMO, I'd rather have a piano that looks like a piano with a minor buildup of scratches than trying to over protect the finish of it.  

On my own piano, you can see the wear marks on the music desk where books are normally centered.  It looks slightly less glossy but does not take away from the beauty of the instrument.

[chrisbutch]

Another tip is to avoid the use of any kind of cloth (even microfibre) for dusting the case. These can themselves add micro-scratches.The best thing to use is an old-fashioned feather duster (there are now synthetic imitations) which you just flick lightly across the surface rather than rubbing.