Replacing Old Piano Key Tops

Substituting old keytops with the latest molded plastic surface (parts) is a whole new look and relatively easy procedure for your keyboard. You will have to have one or more rim razors or thin bladed blades, any "touch cement" or PCV glue (other adhesives are also useful for this purpose, but these adhesives are fast, solid and do not need clamping, just as other adhesives do. Because you don't need to clamp you can remove keytops without cutting the keys of the piano, there is a real advantage. ​

​Present keytops close-up

Look like the piano keys in the pictures above? I hope not. I pray not. There is a workaround if you don't want the piano keys. You can remove the old keytops and replace them with new, durable keytops that will surely improve your piano appearance. 

The images are from an old plastic spinet with keytops that were cracked, broken and stained in this article. Old scratched, faded or absent ivory keytops are often often replaced by a new collection of plastics. Normally I would not recommend replacing keypads on an old spinet, because the piano 's monetary worth typically does not warrant the replacement cost. Yet in situations like these, the piano has a nostalgic value and always blends well with the interior of the house. 
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The wood stick on which they are adhered has to be milled to accommodate the new keypads that are heavier than the old ones as old keytops are replaced. 

​Phase 1: Cut Piano Keys 

​Keep this in order as it is impossible to bring them together if they are all mixed up. If they fall out of control for whatever reason, it is best to number the buttons. 
​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSt-f6B0z6w

​Phase 2: Throw the old keyboards out 

​Use a sharp chisel or knife to remove the old keytops. 

​Phase 3: Sand Light 

​Sand the key surface gently to ensure that all the remaining old glue is eliminated and that the new keypads have a smooth surface. 

Schritt 4: Glue implementation

​Dispense on the top and fore side of the key a thin layer of PVC-E glue. 

Step 5: Lock New Keytop and Location

​Ensure that the keytop sides are in line with the key sides. If the key is a little high, make sure it hangs over the excess key top, because this is the simplest place to file and looks nice.

Step 6: Make Dry Cleaning and File Edges match

Overnight, let air. You can smooth any overhang with a flat metal file to make the key top fit your keys accordingly. 
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The sharp replacement technique is the same. If your new sharps are ebony wood, the simple old carpenter's glue like Elmer's will work fine in a pinch, but you have to hold the key firmly in place for 10 minutes, to let the adhesive settle. With any key material, touch cement is simpler. (NOT use hot, slow-drying glues like Elmer's if you replace an old ivory keyton on the key, as moisture causes ivory to warp). Give me an email or call if I can, if you have trouble fitting the keytops.
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Read More: How to Play Stride Piano