I use rubbing compound (the automotive type, by DuPont, I believe) to rub out ivory - get it at any automotive store. The red heavy duty compound is coarser than the white compound; although, the red compound is still relatively fine (finer than 400 grit). Start with the red using a slightly damp terry-type cloth and finish to a high gloss with the white. These compounds clean up nicely, too. I'm convinced hand rubbing produces the best results. To smooth deeper scratches or coarser surfaces in ivory start with 220 grit paper to work down through the bottom of the scratch. Graduate to 320 grit, then 400 grit. Now, move on to the rubbing compounds. Works wonderfully! As has been mentioned before, it's best to move in the direction of the ivory grain when sanding/rubbing, of course. Be careful at the end of the key overhang not to thin it too much when sanding. Also, it's best to use a sanding block of some sort to avoid sanding an area of the key top surface thin and creating a depression, which will be noticeable to the touch - undesirable. Ivory is not all that difficult to work with. Anything that the manicurist/pedicurist can do to our fingernails and toenails we can do to ivory keys! Something to think about. Regards, John Piesik San Diego Chapter PTG JPIESIK@ARINC.COM
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