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Are there any pros / cons to an ebony satin finish? ...to a polished finished? Or is it really just personal preference?

linny225,

There is an interesting thread on the subject from 2005. As you will read, especially from the 5th post [post # 260614 from Ori], there is a bit more to it:

Satin vs High Gloss

schwammerl.

Although I have a gloss black finish, I really wanted, and still prefer satin. From a few piano dealers I've talked to, though, they seem to feel that satin is like the kiss of death if you want to resell a piano. I'm not sure I agree, but then again I've never been in the business.

The love for satin finish piano seems to be only a North American phenomenon. The rest of the world seems to like polished.

I got satin because I just loved the contrast between the gold inside the piano and the matte finish exterior. I stay a little nervous about scratches--which are harder to fix or mask on satin--but I am very glad I chose it.

Nancy

A good touch up artist can make scratches on satin virtually invisible. I know this from personal experience on my piano.

The beauty of satin other than the cosmetics is the fact after 11 years if you want to touch it up it is quite easy. If you have a few chip you can fill them and rub out the finish.

After 15 years a high gloss piano will have swirl marks and difficult scratches to polish out. It can be done but it a lot of work and very messy.

I prefer rubbed satin myself, not than gun spayed satin we are now starting to see on new pianos. I'm not sure how to touch up gun sprayed satin, perfectly.

You usually can't unless you spray the entire panel. One way which can be done pretty convincingly and easily(black only) is to fill the repair as best as possible(as in the drop factor)and spray it with "trim paint" which is an auto industry product and matches many manufactures surprisingly well. It is just color with no body so no overspray. You can do with a can as opposed to the spray gun for a small repair.Tricks of the trade,so don't tell anyone else especially other refinishers.. We compared the Bosendorfer repair product and it was identical except alot more $ and a smaller can.

I now have a deep understanding of the differences between satin and polished. Since my wife is our interior decorator, I choose which piano model, but she chooses which piano case, and she wants satin.

That being said, are there any good links on the best way to protect and care for ones satin finished piano?

As for me, on a grand, in general I mostly like a satin type finish, or maybe with a little shine to it. As for the fallboard (when open), a glossy finish would be ok, and I would definitely want a gloss (reflective) finish on the underside of the lid.