[ Ref. Dave Krall in 191018 MMDigest ]

David Krall asks about restoring the finish of his player piano.
This type of finish nicely lends itself to "conservation", which is
a process by which one doesn't refinish an object, but cleans and
refreshes it (with minor repairs).  I have a similar finish on my
Cable Recordo, although it is much lighter.

I believe a rag dampened with denatured alcohol (somewhat elusive in
California now) can be used to wipe down the finish and lift much of
the dust and accumulated dirt.  It will also help blend in minor dings,
et cetera.

As to missing bits of veneer, usually these have to be carefully inset
with veneer using X-Acto knives and lots of patience.  I prefer to use
hide glue when doing this work; it's authentic, and reacts better to
staining and filling than other glues.  Small dents and some dings can
be worked out with a damp rag and an iron (steaming them back to shape).
The alcohol dampened cloth might even do miracles on the water marks.
It sometimes works!

Whatever you do, practice on an obscure area first!

David Dewey
Oroville, California