This summer I needed a project. I am a project person. I decided that it was time to redecorate my living room. I have never really liked my living room. It always felt too dark and heavy. As a result I never spent much time in there except for holidays. I decided it was time to lighten up my life!
The whole new living room reveal will come later but today I am excited to share the transformation my piano underwent.
Our piano is old. I’m not exactly how old it is but when we bought our first home back in 1986 it was in the house. We paid the owners who were moving into a retirement home a few hundred dollars for it. It has been a great piano for our family. All of our children learned to play the piano on it and many a Christmas carol has been sung around the piano.
But it was just too big and dark for my new lightened up decor. Since there are no kids at home any more, I rarely play and the only time it seems to get used is Christmas Eve I thought about getting rid of it. I had a small revolt from a few of my children, one in particular who considers it his piano since he is the only one that still plays the piano. So I decided to keep it but something had to change.
I decided that painting it was the solution. That same child who revolted against me selling the piano also wasn’t too happy about me painting it either but oh well! I have to admit it did seem a little “sacriligious” to paint the piano but I decided to do it anyway.
Deciding on the color was the hardest part. After a little research I knew I wanted to use chalkpaint. I love the fact that there is no prep work with chalkpaint. No sanding, no priming all you do is paint with the chalkpaint!
I used Annie Sloan Chalkpaint which can be bought at two different places here in Portland that I know of. I purchased my paint at The Purple Pear in SE Portland. The owner was very helpful and she even gave me samples of different colors to take home. She also sells the paint online. There is also another shop in Hillsboro that sells Annie Sloan Chalkpaint that I have purchased from before also called B Designs Home Decor and the owner is great too!
I ended up chosing Provence diluted 4 to 1 with Old White.
The process was easy. I removed the front of the piano first. This was the only part of the piano I took apart. It came off easily by releasing some levers.
I also taped around the foot pedals and the keys.
And then I just started painting. I did paint the piano bench first because I decided if I hated it I could just buy a new piano bench! I decided I loved it and then I just went for it!! I was a little nervous putting that first brush full of paint on the actual piano.
Here it is with the first coat. I ended up putting 3 coats on since the piano was so dark. After the third coat I lightly distressed the edges and then put a couple of coats of the Annie Sloan clear wax on it. There are lots of YouTube videos out there on how to apply the wax.
And here is the finished project. Isn’t she pretty!!
I have to say I am totally in love.
It is so pretty now, I’m inspired to sit down and play! Someone asked me if painting it changed the tune of the piano. My reply was that unfortunately it was still as out of tune as it was before. Need to get a piano tuner over here!
Hi – I’m Leigh Anne! I have been a homebased mom for 30 years since my first baby boy was born! I love working with women and helping to inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams while still maintaining motherhood and family as their number one priority. I blog about everything I enjoy – creating treats and meals in my kitchen, spending time in my garden, entertaining and party planning, reading, self improvement and tips and ideas on style and fashion.
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Barb McC
September 23, 2014 at 7:48 amLeigh Anne, this is simply awesome! I’m not familiar with chalk paint. Would you explain a little about it? What can it be used on? And how is it that you don’t have to do any prep? Will it adhere to any surface – paint? varnish? plastic? laminate?
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 7:52 amIt is amazing! You paint directly on your surface, no prep, no prime, no sand!. I have used it over varnish, stain and paint but not plastic or laminate so not sure about those two. here is the website that has lots of great info: http://www.anniesloan.com/ I would google and see if there is someone in your area that sells it and they should be really helpful to answer your questions.
Patti
September 23, 2014 at 8:22 amLove your piano transformation and the sneak peek of your living room…they are beautiful! I’m wanting to try some chalk paint, in the photos is the first coat we see in the photos the same color as the finished piano. It almost looks white? Thanks for sharing, love your blog.
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 8:29 amPatti, Yes the first coat is the finished color. I used the same paint for all three coats. It just looks lighter because of the dark wood showing through and part of it might be the angle of the camera too, more light.
Bobetta
September 23, 2014 at 8:23 amBrave girl!! I had no idea you did it yourself. I hyperventilate at the thought. The other one I saw done, they hired some painting crew to do it. I definately want to do it some day.
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 8:27 amIt was so much easier than I thought it would be. Using chalk paint really simplifies the process.
Sue J
September 23, 2014 at 8:30 amI inherited a very old piano from my grandmother and no one seemed to know the history. We got the serial number out of the inside of the piano and called a piano dealer in the area. They were able to look it up in the catalogs. If you’re curious to find out a little more of the history of your piano, that would probably work for you too! I found out mine was made in 1905 in New York.
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 8:58 amLove that – I’m going to look for a serial number and see what I can find out. I looked for a date somewhere on the piano but couldn’t find one. Thanks for the tip!
dana
September 23, 2014 at 10:48 amCute! Does it make you want to play the piano a little bit more now! The dishes on top or cool too. PS keep us posted on what you find out in regards to the serial number – could be super old! PPS Post a video of your Son when he plays on it for the first time! So fun!
brenda
September 23, 2014 at 3:19 pmI cannot imagine anyone being unhappy abut the results of the painted piano !! it is gorgeous and inviting. bet it will look quite nice with the Holiday décor too. I can see a crèche on there for sure. It would be nice for a follow up on the kids reactions.
I must try the chalk paint. Is the wax finish the only recommendation for protecting the surface or would other clear coats work too ?
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 3:27 pmYou are so right! I have a pretty white creche that is going to go on top of the piano! I’ll be sure and report back at Christmas on the kids!! Annie Sloan has their own wax and that is what I used.
Kris Wolverton
September 23, 2014 at 5:35 pmDo we get to see the new living room? I walk by mine too and wish I had the inspiration to update it!!
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 6:15 pmKris, You will get to see the whole room eventually!!
Laura
September 23, 2014 at 6:08 pmI love it! I’ve been debating on painting my piano and I think this is the exact color I want! I’ve used Annie Sloan before, and I love it. How much of each color did you use?
Leigh Anne
September 23, 2014 at 6:15 pmSince I used 4 to 1 I bought one container of the Old White and then one sample size of the Provence and added it together and it was the perfect color.
Amanda
September 23, 2014 at 8:36 pmIt turned out so incredible! And those orangey glass bowls are the perfect complement. Can’t wait to see the entire room reveal!
[email protected]
September 25, 2014 at 8:44 pmI am in love with this color! You did an amazing job! Pinned!
Leigh Anne
September 26, 2014 at 11:19 pmThanks Amy and thanks for the pin!
Martha @ A Family Feast
September 26, 2014 at 6:43 amGorgeous Leigh Anne! I love the color you chose – and I love that you’ve given something old new life!
Leigh Anne
September 26, 2014 at 11:18 pmMartha, It was a little nerve wracking painting it but I love the results! Thanks so much
c
September 26, 2014 at 7:04 amSO so beautiful!!! My husband is not down with the painted piano idea. He is the one that plays it, so I don’t push too much.
Leigh Anne
September 26, 2014 at 11:18 pmJim was skeptical but he loves it.
liz
September 28, 2014 at 2:23 pmWOW- absolutely, positively GORGEOUS!!!!!! I love the piano this color!!! You did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to see the entire room , I am sure it will be just beautiful!
Leigh Anne
September 28, 2014 at 2:59 pmThanks Liz, I am totally in love with my new room and can’t wait to share the whole thing.
Elise
September 30, 2014 at 4:43 pmIf I ever get a piano I am so doing this! Thanks for the tips about the chalk paint. I hate sanding. Your picked the most perfect color. I love it!
Leigh Anne
September 30, 2014 at 4:52 pmThanks Elise. It was so fun to do!
Nikki
October 2, 2014 at 11:05 amI love this! I have bought the chalkpaint to do my piano. The only problem is that is has some type of fabric on parts of the piano. I don’t know where to get that replaced.
Leigh Anne
October 6, 2014 at 2:49 pmNikki, Not sure either – you could possibly call a place that fixes up old pianos and ask them.
Amy
October 2, 2014 at 12:25 pmI absolutely love your blog!! This has inspired me to be so crafty, and as a mom to be I can only aspire to be as crafty of a stay at home mom as your have been.
Leigh Anne
October 6, 2014 at 2:49 pmTHanks Amy. I am so glad you enjoy the job and that you find inspiration here. That means a lot to me!
Ashley
October 2, 2014 at 3:39 pmI love this color and how you put that orange colored glassware ontop, really pops! great style.
Glad I found you over on the Artsy Fartsy Link up today
xoxo
Ashley
http://www.arrayofstyle.com
Leigh Anne
October 6, 2014 at 2:48 pmThanks Ashley. The depression glass was from my mother in law.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
October 3, 2014 at 5:48 pmThat has to be the prettiest piano I have ever seen! Love the color! Awesome job!
Leigh Anne
October 6, 2014 at 2:48 pmThanks Sharon. I love it!!
Stephanie @ The Styled Soul
October 9, 2014 at 5:38 pmHi! I just came across your painted piano on The DIY Dreamer and it stopped me in my tracks. GORGEOUS!!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Leigh Anne
October 13, 2014 at 8:39 amThanks so much Stephanie. I find myself going into my living room several times a day just to look at it – love it so much!
Susan Weaver
November 3, 2014 at 1:57 pmHi Leigh Anne,
Do you think the paint would work on kitchen cabinets as well? Kind of scary, but your piano looks great !
Thanks, Susan
Leigh Anne
November 3, 2014 at 2:09 pmI have used it on dressers and other furniture but not cabinets but I don’t see why not. Thanks!
Rachel
November 14, 2014 at 4:10 amWhere did you find the mint green rugby rug? I’ve been looking for one just like it. Thanks.
Leigh Anne
November 14, 2014 at 6:48 amThe rug was custom made for me by Caitlin Wilson Textiles. here is the link:http://caitlinwilsontextiles.com/collections/rugs
Michelle Gasiorski
February 26, 2015 at 7:54 amThank you for posting your piano transformation! We have an old upright with a similar color as your “before” picture. I’ve been wanting to redo it for a long time and this is my inspiration! I love the Provence color chalk paint, too. Thank you for giving me the courage to take the plunge!
Leigh Anne
February 26, 2015 at 7:59 amSo glad you liked it! I love, love my painted piano and totally recommend it. Take the plunge!!!
Shanda
May 30, 2015 at 7:48 pmWhat was the best way to dilute the paint to get the color you wanted?
Leigh Anne
June 2, 2015 at 12:50 pmI added the blue colored paint into my white. I used an equal proportion so that if I needed more paint later I wouldn’t have to worry about matching it.
Leigh Anne
June 2, 2015 at 12:58 pmJenn, It didn’t take as much paint as I thought it would. My memory is a little vague but I’m pretty sure I only bought one quart and added one sample size can into that to get the color I wanted.
Jenn
May 31, 2015 at 7:31 amI’m about to embark on the same project… My piano is the same size as yours and I want to make sure I buy the right amount of paint. How much did you end up using? Thanks! Looks great!
annie
June 23, 2015 at 7:38 amI love it! Absolutely beautiful. You did a great job!
Kerri
September 3, 2015 at 11:57 amMy friend gave me a small upright piano – I’ve got it all taped off and ready to go, even added some wooden appliques. Sent my hubby to pick up the Annie Sloan paints for me… I’m so excited to do this! Thank you so much for the tutorial; it’s going to look fantastic!
Leigh Anne
September 3, 2015 at 12:01 pmHave fun! I love my piano. What color are you painting it??
Marcy
October 13, 2015 at 4:23 amHow much paint did it take for you to do the piano and bench? I’m thinking of doing the same to our piano but I do not want to run out of paint. Thank you
Lenetta Carnes
January 10, 2016 at 4:37 pmCurious. Does the chalkboard paint leave it feeling grainy like a chalkboard?
Leigh Anne
July 30, 2018 at 4:10 pmnot at all
Guylaine
February 2, 2016 at 10:51 amHi ! What a surprise I had this morning, seeing your piano on Pinterest. We have the exacte same piano at home, the carving and everything. We are living way apart (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) and have the same piano ! It came at my parent’s house when I was a little girl (early 70′) that same color that yours is today ! Under the paint we can see the dark brown color. When it was move to my own house we had it tuned et learned that it was built in 1918 but don’t remember where. So a century to celebrate soon ! Time to start to play again don’t you think ? Enjoy !
Leigh Anne
February 7, 2016 at 7:15 amHow fun that we have the same piano. I agree that it is time to start playing again!!
OLGA
March 25, 2016 at 2:33 pmHi, I just found this on pintarest. I see you posted this a while ago. But, this exactly what I am looking for. I want to paint our piano mint green. I want to use chalk paint because of the not prep work. I just couldn’t figure out how to find the perfect color. And I don’t know if there is a missing step in your post. Did you do three layers of white and then on the provence?
Kindly advice. Thank you!
Leigh Anne
March 25, 2016 at 2:40 pmI diluted the provence 1 part provence and 3 parts white.
Adi Stovall
March 25, 2016 at 7:05 pmHi! I’m doing this with my piano now!! Was one full size of white and sample of green enough for all 3 coats on your piano? If not, how much did you use?
Thanks,
Adi
Leigh Anne
March 25, 2016 at 9:08 pmYes, it was enough for the whole piano.
Jan White
March 29, 2016 at 8:56 pmLove the piano. Where did you get the cute rug? Looking for one just like that!!
Leigh Anne
March 29, 2016 at 9:31 pmThe rug is from Caitlin Wilson Rubs -http://caitlinwilson.com/collections/rugs
Mando
April 30, 2016 at 1:24 pmthis is awesome!!!!I’m thinking of painting my piano lately and after seeing that I’m sure I will give it a try!
Jessi
May 28, 2016 at 8:02 pmHi there,
I recently discovered chalk and have repainted everything from my pantry, to the patio set on the balcony, and my husband’s reading chair! The next step is definitely our old piano. I was thinking yellow or blue. Yours look amazing – I hope I can do as great of a job!
I was wondering, did you have to take all the keys out… or simply the bigger parts?Or did you just tape the pedals and go for gold?
Thanks 🙂
J.
Leigh Anne
May 28, 2016 at 9:01 pmI just taped off the pedals and went for it!
Angie
July 10, 2016 at 3:37 pmHi I would I’ve to paint my piano the same color as yours. I just need helping getting your color, you said it was 1 quart of white and a sample of Provence? Or you said something about 3 parts white what does that mean? Just need help getting it right before I start painting thank you!!!
Leigh Anne
July 18, 2016 at 10:10 amAngie, yes I used one quart of white and one sample of Provence. Have fun!
lin
July 28, 2016 at 10:27 amI see it’s been 2yrs since this project..how is the chalk paint holding up?!! I’m wanting to do my kitchen cabinets.
Leigh Anne
July 28, 2016 at 10:45 amIt’s holding up great but the piano doesn’t get near the wear and tear that kitchen cabinets would.
Meg
July 29, 2016 at 7:43 amThis is STUNNING and I need my piano to look exactly like this. Thank you so much for sharing! 💙👍🏻😍
Bev
September 17, 2016 at 2:18 pmI’m doing the same thing with chalk paint but the pure white- I’ve done 2 coats and I can still see the orangy wood. I may need to kilzn a little before the 3rd coat. I wonder if the green paint help keep the wood bleeding through?
Leigh Anne
September 17, 2016 at 3:33 pmBev, Are you using Annie Sloan chalk paint?
Jeannie
November 7, 2016 at 6:00 amI absolutely love this!! I am doing this to my piano this year….can’t wait till I get it done. 🙂 I already have the wall above it finished, I framed old sheet music, and formed a collage!! I keep looking at it and loving it!!
Leigh Anne
November 7, 2016 at 6:04 amThanks so much! I love the idea of framing old sheet music. Have fun with the process!
Julie
January 13, 2017 at 9:27 pmBut now the piano lost all its value and it’s going to sound like crap….
Just to look nice on Pinterest….
Leigh Anne
January 14, 2017 at 8:48 amJulie, Actually, the piano sounds just fine and I only paid $200.00 for the piano. We love it!
Jewels
January 30, 2017 at 11:27 amI would love to try this on my piano after seeing how beautifully yours turned out! Your post really inspired me, but in all honesty, I am not a crafty person, and the thought of this scares me…A LOT!! Do you think someone of an extreme beginner skill-level could pull this off?? Also, now that you’ve had the paint on for a while, how is the finish holding up??
Leigh Anne
January 30, 2017 at 12:17 pmJewels, The paint is holding up greate and all you really need to be able to do is work a paintbrush for this project – no crafty genes required. You can do it!
Start with the piano bench first, it’s good practice and easier and if you decide you don’t like it, all you have to do is replace the piano bench!
Lexi
May 16, 2017 at 9:31 pmAbout how long did it take you? How much paint did you have to use? How well has it held up? It’s beautiful!
Leigh Anne
May 17, 2017 at 7:09 amLexi, It went a lot faster than I thought it would, probably total a couple of hours. I used a quart of paint and it has held up beautifully!
Lexi
May 18, 2017 at 2:59 pmThanks so much for the reply! I just bought my first piano and I can’t wait to try this after reading your experience. Mine is 99 years old but in decent shape, and I think painting it will make it more beautiful. 😄
Kara G
June 21, 2017 at 2:25 pmHello! I’ve done chalk paint (and some milk paint on my fireplace) quite a bit before, but not on my piano. We appear to have the same piano style, and I’m wondering (can’t tell from the pictures) what you did about the hinges that run along the top and the key cover? Try and tape, or paint right over them? I’ve got all my supplies and am anxious and excited to get started!
Leigh Anne
June 21, 2017 at 3:08 pmKara, I painted right over them. Have fun!
Stacy Rosen
July 19, 2017 at 6:38 pmWhen you painted the area around the keys, underneath where the cover slides back, did you remove anything else? Did you just tape off the keys?
Leigh Anne
July 19, 2017 at 8:00 pmI just taped off the keys
Gail
October 30, 2017 at 9:01 amI had to laugh when I saw this piano online. A few years back I also painted my piano….in a similar color. Mine has a little more color and less gray. My story is a little sadder than yours, though. Mine sounded pretty good, although it’s ancient, as it is an upright baby grand; but after dragging it across the living room (I was also sanding and painting the floor.), putting 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint on it and moving it back in place (after the painting on the side of the room where it was previously located was done, as well), it started to “lose it”. Now a have 2 broken notes (that I didn’t have before) and it doesn’t sound at all like it did. I don’t know if it was the paint or the move. So, whereas before I had a rough-looking piano that sounded pretty good for its age, I now have a pretty piano that sounds awful and has broken notes. I’m not sure I gained anything for my efforts…except it does light up that corner of the room!
April Conaway
November 11, 2017 at 10:56 amThis is gorgeous! Is the color in the pictures pretty true to the color in person? Also, how long did the painting take?