Inky ivory

[Larry Fisher]

>
>Ted Simmons wrote:
>>
  I have a feeling that nothing short of buffing will remove
>> the colors.  The ivory tails are still on my workbench.  Any suggestions?
>>


>Did you try bleaching them in the sun?
>
>Warren
>--
>Warren D. Fisher


and might I add, a cotton swap and some 30-35% HOH (Hydrogen Peroxide).
I've used HOH on ivory for a few years now on some real stubborn stains.
The sun is the best source of UV (ultraviolet) and the stronger the HOH
solution the quicker the results.  I've found my wife's grow lights to be
terribly slow, a snails pace compared the the speed of a Gazelle when it
comes to the sun.  Here at the shop, I dab the HOH on the keytop or the spot
with the key on top of my old car.  I really don't give a rip about the
finish.  As it evoporates I add more until the spot is gone, anywhere from
20 minutes to a few hours depending on the darkness of the spot, and the
strength of the sun.

I've not tried this on ink but would be curious to know of the results
should you get the chance to find some 35% HOH solution.  I found mine at a
place here in Portland called Nuremburg Scientific.  There's a heck of a
price jump between the two strengths I've mentioned here.

WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING THIS STUFF!!!  It leaves nasty white spots on your
pinkies that continue to find nerve endings for many hours after contact
.......... similar to an acid burn.

Regarding buffing ivory, usually this stuff is fairly stout and will put up
with buffing to a point.  I've not seen a buffing wheel that is wild and
aggressive enough to ruin ivory, all considering proper technique and the
ability of a craftsperson (90's term).  Tails are characteristically
thinnest towards the namerail end of the piece.  I would probably consider
sanding with a 150 grit first to see if the stain was all the way through
the piece or not, followed by 220 and finally 400 grit.  If you need to
match sheen use 400 to 600 grit.  I've even used 0000 sleel wool but it has
to be really clean and the ivory your putting it to may darken from the
steel wool.  If you would like real slick and shiney, buff on dude!!

Lar




                                    Larry Fisher RPT
   specialist in players, retrofits, and other complicated stuff
      phone 360-256-2999 or email larryf@pacifier.com
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