The formula of vinegar is CH3COOH - not C2H4O2 and it does not penetrate
wood the same way as pure H2O does. Since the pH of water is lowered with
5%vinegar (pH = 2-3), protein glues such as collagen glues used in the piano
industry dissolve-break down more readily. However, when you use vinegar to
dissolve / break the glue line, the leftover surface residues are more
difficult to remove since the glue has been chemically modified with the use
of the acid.
Marc Lanthier
www.pianolanco.com
-----Original Message-----
From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Tom Driscoll
Sent: July-27-09 3:02 PM
To: David Ilvedson; pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Backcheck and catcher felts
>
Definitely DON'T use water - it will swell the wood.
>
>>I use plain white vinegar for things - it also works well for player work.
>>Duaine Hechler
>>
> Isn't vinegar mostly water?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
David,
Right you are and 95% no less.
The composition of distilled white vinegar is usually 5% acetic acid which
has a molecular formula of C2H4O2. The remainder of the solution is H2O. The
acetic acid is aqueous, so the mixture is homogeneous.
Tom Driscoll
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