Instructions for Piano Felts
Jan 05, 2024
There are many different felts used in pianos for different purposes. Below shows you some of the supplies you could need to install various piano felts and the general installation and care instructions that will apply to most of these felts.
Supplies
For installing piano felts, you will need PVC-E Glue. You may also find it helpful to have some Glue Brushes on hand.
If you need to lubricate felts such as key bushings, you will need Micro-Fine PTFE Powder. This can also be more easily applied with Glue Brushes.
Replacing Felts
If you are replacing any type of felt on a piano, PVC-E glue is very easy to use. Since there are many different types of felts you could be replacing, we won’t go through all the details of the replacement process. The process should be fairly simple and follow these basic steps:
After you have properly removed any old felt, simply squeeze a thin bead of glue onto the surface, spread with your finger, and add new felt. We offer many videos on replacing various felts on our website here: https://www.howardpianoindustries.com/piano-repai...
Lubricating Key Bushing Felts
Make sure to clean and polish the keypins before lubricating the key bushings. Remove the key by lifting it straight off so that you don’t enlarge the balance rail hole. Locate the key bushing (at the front of the key where the keypin goes through).
The best way to apply the Micro-Fine PTFE Powder is with a pipe cleaner. Fold the pipe cleaner in half, dip it in the PTFE Powder, and insert it into the front rail bushing and balance rail bushing. Taking any thin tool (like the Grand Guide Rail Bushing Easer), use it as a burnisher to rub the powder into the bushings to fully lubricate them. Replace the key.
To see a more detailed demonstration of this process, watch this video: https://youtu.be/I1oKJQdfpI8?si=2wBNbigWmgfEY4iX
Lubricating Whippen Heel Felts
Since the whippen heel felts are located on the underneath of the action, having the Vertical Upright Piano Action Cradle will make the job much easier. It easily turns the action onto it’s back so that you can access the bottom. If there are deeps groves from sitting on the capstan, you will probably want to replace the felts. Take a glue brush and dip it into the powder. Then, brush the powder onto the felt and burnish it with a thin tool (like the Grand Piano Guide Rail Bushing Easer). To watch a more detailed demonstration of these processes, watch this video: https://youtu.be/lhpAmYqX2ZQ?si=NUI9Ca91qgA8Aj-T
