yellow ivories

[Farrell]

Tom, what is your source for the hydrogen peroxide? Does anyone know what
wood bleach is made of? I have used that successfully.

Terry Farrell
Piano Tuning & Service
Tampa, Florida
mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Servinsky" <tompiano@gate.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2001 7:01 AM
Subject: Re: yellow ivories


> 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
> >
>
>