Manufacturers put most of their attention into improving the sound, function, and performance of a digital piano. As such, they don’t really consider about the color or finish of the instrument. This can often mean that you get stuck with a hue that doesn’t really suit the rest of your décor.
Or, it could simply be that your old digital piano needs a breath of fresh air. Either way, you are probably wondering whether you can paint your digital piano. The short answer is: yes, you can paint your piano. However, it isn’t necessarily a quick or simple task.
Keep in mind that you are dealing with a delicate instrument. Therefore, you need to be careful about how you paint this piano. If you want to learn the right way to manage this, here are all the tips and tips that you should focus on:
What You Will Need
Here is a list of the items that you will need to paint your digital piano:
- Owner’s Manual: this will show you how to disassemble your digital piano properly. It will also contain information on the materials used for the piano.
- Tools for Disassembly: this will depend on the exact make and model of your digital piano. Certain tools may be supplied by the manufacturer.
- Plastic Baggies: you can place the various parts and pieces of the digital piano as you disassemble it. This will prevent you from losing track of any of the components.
- Painter’s Tape: this can be used to cover any components that you don’t wish to paint.
- Tarp/Newspaper: spread this under and around the pieces that you are painting. This will help to prevent the paint from spreading.
- Primer: the primer will depend on the material of the digital piano. Select one that will bond to the material.
- Paint: choose a paint type that is suitable for your piano.
- Clear Lacquer: this final layer will act as a protectant from scratches and dirt.
How to Paint a Digital Piano
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to paint your digital piano:
1. Disassemble the Piano
Your first order of business involves disassembling the piano. Make sure to always use your owner’s manual to learn how to do this. As mentioned, each make and model is different, so you shouldn’t just start taking apart the piano.
Nevertheless, here is a basic guide to disassembling your digital piano:
- Remove Knobs/Dials: start by removing any protruding features that get in the way of removing the casing.
- Photograph Each Step: take a photo before and after removing each layer of components. This will act as a guide for when you need to put the piano back.
- Bag and Label: after removing every component, place it in a separate plastic baggie. Make sure to seal it up tight and label it.
- Loosen Casing/Remove Screws: each model has a separate way of removing the casing. Follow the necessary method.
- Detach Necessary Wires: you should only unhook wires that are getting in the way of your disassembling in the piano. As such, you may only need to disengage the connectors and cables. Avoid messing around with the wires unnecessarily.
- Remove Hardware: remove any piano keys, displays, circuit boards, and anything else that you need to. Detach anything that you don’t want to get paint on.
2. Clean the Surfaces
Unless the digital piano is new, it is sure to have accrued scratches or dust residue over time. Now, you can’t paint over dirty or uneven surfaces as the paint won’t stick properly. It certainly won’t look good either. Thus, you have to clean the surface.
The exact cleaning method will depend on the material and how much damage has been done to the surface. If you are just dealing with a little bit of dust or grime on plastic, then wiping the surface down with a wet cloth will suffice.
On the other hand if there are scratches, peeling paint, or minor grooves on plastic or wood, some sanding will be in order. Use a mild sandpaper to gently remove the top layer until it is smooth and a suitable surface for painting. Bear in mind that you will need to sand the surfaces all over for a cohesive look.
3. Apply the Primer
As mentioned, you will need to buy a primer that is best suited to the surface that you will be painting. Then, follow these steps:
- Move to a Ventilated Area: primer and paint fumes shouldn’t be breathed in. So, you should go to a wide open space where there is a continuous influx of fresh air.
- Lay Down Tarp/Newspaper: lay the tarp or newspaper under and around the surfaces that you will be painting.
- Use Masking Tape for Coverage: wrap masking tape around any areas that you don’t want painted.
- Apply First Primer Coat: apply the primer in a thin, even coat. Make sure that you apply it to all surfaces that you wish to paint. So, pay attention to all those hard to reach places as well.
- Allow to Dry: before you apply any other coats, make sure that the primer dries entirely.
- Apply Second Coat: apply the second coat in a thin layer as well. Depending on the brand and the level of coverage needed, you may need to apply other coats as well.
- Let Dry: wait until the primer is completely dry before attempting to paint any of the surfaces.
4. Paint the Piano
Now it is time to paint!
- Apply Thin Layers: as with the primer, apply a thin layer of paint each and every time. This prevents imperfections as well as tackiness.
- Let Dry: make sure that the paint has thoroughly dried before you paint another layer onto the surfaces.
- Sand Between Coats: if you want an even better finish, make sure to sand between every coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Then, use gentle sandpaper to sand the layer very lightly. This helps to buff out any imperfections.
5. Apply the Lacquer
This is the final step in the painting process.
- Use Thin Coats: use thin coats for the lacquer as well. Apply as many coats as needed, allowing each layer to dry in between.
- Thoroughly Dry: make sure that the final coat is completely dry before putting any of the components back together.
6. Reassemble the Digital Piano
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your own photos to put the piano back together again. Make sure that every component goes back the way that it should. Then you will be able to enjoy your beautiful paint job!
This is what you need to know about painting your digital piano. It is a painstaking process, but it is one that you can handle by yourself. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to all the instructions mentioned here. This will increase the likelihood of a successful project.
What You Should Know About Painting a Digital Piano
Before you do begin this project, there are a few things that you need to be aware of first.
Voiding the Warranty
It is best to paint an older digital piano rather than a new one. When you paint a new piano, you automatically void the warranty. Thus, if there are any issues that crop up a little later, the company will not cover these for you.
Your other option is to check the warranty of your new piano. Then, wait until it has expired to paint the piano. This way, you reduce the risk of getting hit with a massive repair bill if something does go wrong in the early stages of your ownership.
Disassembling the Piano
Now, you may think that you can simply mask the parts of the piano that you don’t want to paint and begin painting. However, this isn’t how it works. To protect the sensitive elements of the keyboard while simultaneously getting the right finish, you will need to disassemble the piano.
This is another reason to wait until the warranty on your digital piano has expired. Bear in mind that this may not be the easiest task, but your owner’s manual should help quite a bit. Once the paint on the surfaces has thoroughly dried, you will then need to reassemble the piano.
Every Digital Piano is Different
It is important to appreciate that every digital piano is constructed using different materials. Due to this, there is no one-fits-all approach to painting the instrument. Instead, check your owner’s manual to discover what material the piano is made from.
Once you have this information, do your research – what is the best paint option for this material. Are there any specific painting tips that you need to be aware of? Only after you have done this research should you consider beginning the project.
Choosing the Color
When choosing your new color, there are several things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it should fit in with the surrounding décor. At the same time, the color should be one that is just as suitable several years in the future.
As such, it is best to pick a neutral or classic hue. This way, you can even change your décor or theme and your digital piano will continue to fit in. Avoid any bright or bold color trends that may fade within a short period of time.