yellow ivories

[Tom Servinsky]

Ivory bleaching:
First of all what bleaching solution are you using?  I made the mistake for
many of years using "off the shelf" peroxide solutions and not getting great
results without investing a lot of time.  Then I  discovered that specialty
chemical operations sell peroxide for industrial uses. The hydrogen peroxide
comes in at 35,45, &65% intensities.  We now use the 35% and get incredible
results....I'm mean INCREDIBLE results in 1 hr.
Note* this solution is intense enough to damage your skin, not to mention
piano finishes and anything else that's worth saving.  Wear gloves and plan
your working space.  Outside is best.
Once solution has been applied put the keys in direct sunlight for 1 hr. and
you will notice dramatic results. Obviously the longer left in the sun and
the more applications the more bleaching to be achieved. Severe yellowing
will need follow up applications.
A gallon of 35% hydrogen peroxide costs about $5-$8 and will last a long
time. I'm estimating we use a 1/2 cup of solution per set of keys.

Note that there can be a point of being counter-productive.  If you used too
many applications of the 35% you risk damaging the glue joints holding the
ivories in place.
Remember ivory is like a sponge, it absorbs very easily.

Best of luck
Tom Servinsky, RPT

----- Original Message -----
From: <Tvak@AOL.COM>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 05, 2001 7:25 PM
Subject: yellow ivories


> I have read, or heard somewhere, that ivory key tops will yellow if kept
in a
> dark place.  If this is true, where do you guys keep your spare ivories?
My
> work area (I hesitate to call it a "shop") is in the basement with no
> windows.  Should I worry about them yellowing even more than they already
are?
>
> I tried bleaching one that was particularly yellow, and the bleach didn't
> seem to have any effect.  (I painted the top with bleach and let it sit
for
> 15 minutes or so.)  Is there a way to whiten ivory key tops which have
> already yellowed?
>
> Any advice?
>
> Thanks,
> Tom S.
> Chicago PTG Associate
>