My neighbor had a gift piano moved, and unfortunately, the movers put a leaky tarp on it and it got wet. Then my neighbors didn't uncover it as soon as it arrived and it sat, covered and wet, for days. Now, of course, it looks awful.
However, even though the finish is ruined, any veneers don't seem to have lifted, which is good.
What typical finishes were used on older pianos? I suggested she test for shellac with some denatured alcohol and a bit of rag. If it wasn't shellacked, what other finishes might have been used, and how could she proceed in refinishing it? I almost exclusively use shellac, danish oil, or spar varnish for bright finishes, and there my experience ends.
Thanks!