http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/ We'll show you where to find a great deal on grand pianos! Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:59:18 +0000 hourly 1 http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/comment-page-1/#comment-15 laidback Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:32:22 +0000 http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/#comment-15 A tooth paste ("with a whitner") and a tooth brush. A tooth paste (“with a whitner”) and a tooth brush.

]]> http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/comment-page-1/#comment-14 BearDown Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:57:01 +0000 http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/#comment-14 Ok this might sound odd but I collect vintage toys and have actually used whitening toothpaste to clean them and have had good results Ok this might sound odd but I collect vintage toys and have actually used whitening toothpaste to clean them and have had good results

]]> http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Wild Rose Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:54:05 +0000 http://grandpianosforsaleonline.com/piano-keys-i-have-real-antique-ivory-keys-how-can-i-make-them-whiter-keep-them-white-2/#comment-13 Create a very mild solution of water and dilute detergent such as Orvus brand. Using the solution, very slightly dampen a cotton swab, a cotton ball, or a fresh cotton rag, and gently wipe the ivory surface. Dry immediately—if necessary—as any excess moisture left on the surface can cause the ivory to split. Very slightly dampen cotton with water and wipe off any detergent residue. Again, dry immediately. Do not soak the ivory. Also do not use ethanol (or any type of spirits), which is sometimes recommended in some older restoration guides. Also do not use vinegar or lemon juice—both are very acidic. Direct quote from a professional museum objects conservator: "I would stick with the dilute detergent cleaning and avoid things like toothpaste. The abrasives are a problem, as well as the other components in pastes that might be difficult to get out that will harden and become unsightly." Ivory, by nature, will darken in the dark and lighten in the light. If you wish to safely brighten ivory, simply expose it to normal light levels. (Avoid dramatic temperature changes such as that which may occur with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.) There is a dangerous "brightening" formula circulating containing Drano (based on sodium hydroxide) and high-concentration hydrogen peroxide combined with exposure of the ivory to a UV light source. This formula has a very high pH (well above 10) and will break down the ossein in the ivory. While there may not be any immediate visual symptoms of damage, the resulting long term effects will be brittleness and cracking. As such, this harsh formula is not recommended. Create a very mild solution of water and dilute detergent such as Orvus brand.
Using the solution, very slightly dampen a cotton swab, a cotton ball, or a fresh cotton rag, and gently wipe the ivory surface. Dry immediately—if necessary—as any excess moisture left on the surface can cause the ivory to split.
Very slightly dampen cotton with water and wipe off any detergent residue. Again, dry immediately.
Do not soak the ivory. Also do not use ethanol (or any type of spirits), which is sometimes recommended in some older restoration guides. Also do not use vinegar or lemon juice—both are very acidic.
Direct quote from a professional museum objects conservator: “I would stick with the dilute detergent cleaning and avoid things like toothpaste. The abrasives are a problem, as well as the other components in pastes that might be difficult to get out that will harden and become unsightly.”
Ivory, by nature, will darken in the dark and lighten in the light. If you wish to safely brighten ivory, simply expose it to normal light levels. (Avoid dramatic temperature changes such as that which may occur with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.)
There is a dangerous “brightening” formula circulating containing Drano (based on sodium hydroxide) and high-concentration hydrogen peroxide combined with exposure of the ivory to a UV light source. This formula has a very high pH (well above 10) and will break down the ossein in the ivory. While there may not be any immediate visual symptoms of damage, the resulting long term effects will be brittleness and cracking. As such, this harsh formula is not recommended.

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