1
Research painting and decorating ideas for the piano. An old player piano can be painted and decorated in a variety of ways. Looking at photographs of old player pianos from the 19th and early 20th century provides ideas for creating an antique style. However, a player piano can be painted in a more modern style using contemporary paint colors. Use your own aesthetic tastes and sensibilities in decorating the piano. The goal may be to turn the piano into an art object.
2
Place canvas or plastic tarps on the floor around the piano. Tape plastic over the piano keys with blue painter's tape to protect them from paint drips.
3
Sand off the old paint or stain with 50 to 60 grit sandpaper. Use an electric sander and sand with the grain of the wood. Replace the sandpaper when it becomes saturated with the old paint. Switch to 100 to 120 grit sand paper once the bare wood becomes visible. Sand the piano one more time with 150 to 180 grit sandpaper until the wood feels smooth to the touch.
4
Wipe the piano with a soft cloth to remove all the dust. Vacuum the piano and surrounding area to remove all the dust particles.
5
Repair gouges, nicks and scrapes with a wood filler material. Follow the instructions on the container. The standard procedure is to apply the wood filler, allow it to dry and sand it for a smooth and even finish.
6
Apply a primer coat to the piano. Apply the primer with a brush and paint roller. Use a paint brush to cut in the edges and areas of the piano that a roller won't reach and then prime the remainder of the piano with a roller. Allow the primer coat to completely dry before painting.
7
Paint the piano with a base color. Apply the base color with a brush and roller. Allow it to completely dry.
8
Decorate the piano with the images, patterns, and the colors of your choice. Use smaller paint brushes for more detailed work. Stencils work as well for creating organized and consistent patterns. Tape the stencil in place. Paint the pattern. Remove the stencil after the paint is completely dry.
