Wim, Here's a compilation of some posts I saved from a previous discussion. It's a little long, but since there have been several questions about it, I thought I'd go ahead and post it on the list. Avery >It has probably been on the list before, but would someone please remind me >how to whiten yellowed ivory keys. I have a 1905 Model A 6' Steinway with a >perfect set of ivories, but they are not very nice looking. > >Willem Blees RPT >St. louis ****************************************************************************** Bleach on ivory is nearly useless. To do the job right, the keys must be removed. Use 220 grit wet dry sandpaper on a perfectly flat surface, hold the key and sand the ivories perfectly level. Use a fore and aft motion, not a circular motion. Then move to 400 grit wet and dry, sand level, and then to polishing compound on a felt wheel. While you have the keys out, clean up the sides with steel wool and a single edge razor. If you clean the ivories this way, they will be uniform in color, and most of the surface irregularity due to wear can be removed. While you have the keys out, you might as well rebush them, they probably need it. Replace the under-key felts, and level the keys. Lots of work, but the keys will be beautiful. I just finished a 6'5" Knabe B, and I'm working on another. They're great pianos. Frank Weston AND: > There's an excellent article on bleaching ivories in the July, >1995 PTJ. It's by Richard Wagner, RPT, and is on pp. 35-6. >Steve Brady, RPT Hello John I would affirm the instructions included in that article on bleaching. We followed them to the letter in setting up a black light shelf in our shop. We used a cheap 48" shop-light fixture and black light florescent bulbs. Scuffing the ivories with fine sandpaper, covering them with hydrogen peroxide soaked paper towels, and then sliding them under the black lights for 24 hours really works. Do this while the keys are still on the keyframe if it's a grand action (sharps removed). We hang the light only two or three inches above the keys. The 48" black light bulbs are difficult to find. I had to go through a major electrical supplier, not my local lighting store. We've been very happy and this method really does work, without sanding off large amounts of ivory, and without relying on the fickle presence of Mr. Sun. :) David Sanderson Pianobiz@aol.com AND: To those who requested specific information regarding proper light bulbs for bleaching the ivories, here is the info off one of my bulbs: GE Black Light, F40BL, 40 Watt. These bulbs are 48" florescent type and fit in the regular shop light fixture. Seems to me they were about $8.00 each. David Sanderson Pianobiz@aol.com AND: Date: Tue, 30 Apr 1996 12:30:39 -0600 (MDT) From: ignacio lopez <coviella@acs.bu.edu> Subject: bleaching ivory Sender: pianotech@byu.edu John, During the meeting in Albuquerque I attended a class on ivory repair given by William Smith. To bleach ivory he uses Miss Clairol Hair Bleach (seems to be a combination of hydrogen peroxide and phosphoric ); Clairoxide. He cleans the key or sands it using 400 g to break the grease glaze and applies a little and puts it in the sun. I do not know how much is a little. For blanks, he will put them in a jar of it 24 hrs, then rinse with CLEAR dish detergent, and dry on paper towels, turning frequently to prevent curling. He said NEVER to use clorox. Mary Logue ___________________________ Avery Todd, RPT Moores School of Music University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4893 713-743-3226 atodd@uh.edu http://www.uh.edu/music/
This PTG archive page provided courtesy of Moy Piano Service, LLC