Silicone spray dilemma

[Leonard Childs]

Keith A. McGavern wrote:
>
> Dear List,
>
> I trust I will explain a most unique situation in my experience.
>
> I have a new customer who says a technician used silicone spray on the
> keyframe pins and capstans in her Steinway B.  However, her story is that
> she requested this not be done.  So now, approximately six months later,
> this customer wants to remove as much of the silicone product from her
> piano as possible, and I have been chosen to assist in doing this.
>
> It doesn't visibly appear to have caused any damage the piano in any way.
> However, it has harmed the customer's perception of piano service and the
> originality of this instrument because the customer was informed many years
> ago by a now deceased tuner to never let anyone use silicone on a piano.
> Hence, the customer wants to try and undo what has been done if possible.
>
> The name of the silicone product is "Pyroil Multi Purpose Lubricant" by
> Valvoline.
>
> If anyone on Pianotech can advise me of a method, if one exists, or a
> source for a method, to accomplish this project, please contact me.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Keith A. McGavern
> kam544@ionet.net
> Registered Piano Technician
> Oklahoma Chapter 731
> Oklahoma Baptist University
> Shawnee, Oklahoma, USAHi Keith,
What the old tuner probably told her, was to never use any polish with
silicone in it to wipe down her piano. Some oils have silicone in
them, which will prevent the wood from being stripped well enought tobe
refinished with a good appearance.
I hope the list can provide you away to remove the silicone.
Good luck,
Lenny Childs