yellow ivories

[Tom Servinsky]

Hi Terry,
In Vero Beach we use Vero Chemical Supply 561 562 4463.  They are a great
source for commercial grade applications.  If you call , also inquire about
their 2 part brass cleaner.  Great for cleaning and polishing brass
hardware. Eliminates almost all the elbow grease.
Back to the peroxide...I'm not sure what's the ingredient in wood bleach but
I would wager to guess it's some form of crystallized peroxide.  That's
something that you can ask Vero Chemical if you call.  They are quite
helpful.
Tom Servinsky
Pianocraft of the Treasure Coast
----- Original Message -----
From: Farrell <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 7:50 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
> > >
> >
> >
>
>