Chipped ivories

[Michael Spalding]

Michelle,

Acrylikey is great.  I use it frequently, and on top quality instruments.

The appearance is like any finish touch-up.  If you're looking for it, you
can find it.  If you're not looking for it, it's darn near invisible.  Your
first couple of repairs might be easier to see until you get the hang of it.

Don't do your first attempts on your Mom's Steinway.  Get some scrap ivory
from another tech, or sell a small repair job on an old upright, or a
Howard grand.  Don't tackle your Mom's piano until you are comfortable with
the process.  

Preparation is critical.  Acrylikey is translucent like ivory, so any dirt
left in the wound will outline your repair.

The monomer liquid is nasty.  Wear a respirator.

Good luck.

Mike


> [Original Message]
> From: Michelle Smith <michelle at cdaustin.com>
> To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
> Date: 3/22/2006 2:14:32 PM
> Subject: Chipped ivories
>
> A couple of years ago, my 2 year old son knocked some small chips in  
> the ivories on my Mom's Steinway grand.  (He's still alive,  
> amazingly.)  I'm wondering if anyone has used the AcryliKey II  
> product and if so, how does it look when finished?  Also, I'm very  
> new to this field and can't decide whether to try it myself or send  
> it out to someone.  (There are about 4 keys that need repair.)   
> Thanks for your suggestions.
>
> Michelle Smith
> Student Tuner
> Bastrop, Texas