Piano Bench Makeover
Today’s makeover is a super quick and easy update of a thrifted piano bench. These benches are quite common in resale shops, and they’re handy and versatile, since they usually have storage inside.
This piano bench had seen better days, with a lot of staining and damage all over.
I knew just what I wanted to do to pretty it up, which included a creamy, neutral paint job and some cushioning to the seat as an added bonus!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I used.
Supplies
TSP
Scrubbing Sponge
Spray Bottles
Nylon Brush for Deep Cleaning Rust, Dirt & Paint
3M Pro Grade 220- Grit Sandpaper
Tack Cloths
Zibra Paintbrush
High-Density Foam Paint Roller
Zinsser Extreme Adhesion Primer
Heirloom Traditions Heritage Collection Paint - Manor House
1” Project Foam
Loctite Spray Adhesive
Electric Carving Knife
Cotton Batting
Floral Fabric
Power Shot Staple Gun
The Prep
As always, prep started with a thorough cleaning with TSP and my favorite scrubby sponge, followed by a wipe-down with water to remove any residue. This time, I used this nylon brush to make sure to get the dirt out of all the details.
Sand
This piano bench didn’t have a lot of ‘dings’ or other damage, so a quick scuff-sanding was all that was needed to ensure that my paint adhered nicely. I used 3M Pro Grade 220- Grit Sandpaper and, since it’s a small piece, I hand-sanded the entire bench.
Since I knew I’d be making a cushion for the piano bench seat, I removed it before painting (and painted it separately).
Paint
I could tell that this piece would be a ‘bleeder,’ - its finish flaked off easily during sanding, and it was clear the tannins and stains would bleed through the paint if it wasn’t sealed with a good stain-blocking primer. When I had everything sanded and wiped down with tack cloths, I applied a coat of Zinsser Extreme Adhesion Primer with my favorite Zibra Paintbrush.
After one coat, I wasn’t happy with the coverage using the paintbrush, and the bleed-through was pretty evident. After letting the piano bench dry overnight, I applied a second coat of primer with this small high-density foam paint roller.
You can see how much better the paint went on with the roller. The front leg was the 2nd coat with the roller, and the back leg is the 1st coat with the paintbrush, where you can really see the brush marks.
I had first picked out this fabric for the piano bench cushion,. and went through my stash of paint to find a complementary color.
Heirloom Traditions Heritage Collection Paint in Manor House was perfect. And since it’s an all-in-one product, no sealer needed! Yay!
Two coats did the trick. While the paint dried, I got to work on the cushion. I used this 1” project foam and adhered it to the piano bench seat with Loctite Spray Adhesive, then used my handy electric carving knife to trim the foam to fit the seat. You can find these electric carving knives at thrift stores - they’re perfect for cutting cushions! Cuts like buttah!!
I cut my fabric to about 2” larger than the piano bench seat, and also included some cotton batting to soften the edges.
I used my staple gun to attach the fabric and batting to the seat:
After re-attaching the piano bench seat, I did some minor paint touch-ups:
The After
And here is how this piano bench makeover turned out:
What a difference the new cushion makes!
And the inside got a fresh coat of creamy paint:
And that is the quickie piano bench makeover!
Frustrations, Flubs and Fails
The process for this piano bench makeover went relatively smoothly, with no snafus! But there is one design element I’m on the fence about. I positioned the fabric so that the floral design would be facing inwards if the bench was placed against a wall. But now I’m wondering if I should have flipped it, so that the base of the flowers would align with the hinges when the piano bench lid is opened. What do you think?
Have a great holiday weekend!
Catch you on the Flip Side!
Victoria