yellow ivories

[Joseph Garrett]

Terry,
Most wood bleach is exactly that, a very strong chlorine bleach. Really
toxic stuff!
Joe Garrett
----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 4:50 AM
Subject: Re: yellow ivories


> 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
> > >
> >
> >
>