[pianotech] ivory keytop repair

[Paul McCloud]

Hi, Doug:
Great tips.  A block like that should be part of the kit, for sure.  Gotta make me one.
Paul McCloud
San Diego

----- Original Message -----
From: "Douglas Gregg" <classicpianodoc at gmail.com>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 7:52:45 PM
Subject: [pianotech]  ivory keytop repair

Wim,
I agree with Paul and also Joe. I have two additional helpful tips. I
made a sampler of colors using an old ivory tail piece. I ground 5
notches in it and filled them with varying amounts of the white and
yellow colored powder mixes. 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3. this gives you a
palate to compare to your ivory to color match. This is similar to
what a dentist will do when matching a tooth.

Second, I find the biggest problem is the acrylic mix will slump when
applied on the overhang of the key. I first tried folding tape at a 90
degree and making a dam under the overhang. That worked fair. I now
have a piece of 1/8 inch thick polyethylene that I got from
Smallparts.com.It resists the acrylic so it does not stick at all.  On
the table saw, I cut pieces the width of the key and 1/2 inch long in
the other dimension. I also slightly beveled one edge that goes
between the ivory and the facing nitrocellulose on the front edge of
the key. This allows some acrylic to get under the ivory for a little
extra support. Mostly though, the real advantage is it make a nice dam
to apply the acrylic. With this. I have replaced the entire overhang
on a key in one shot. It makes the job so much easier. I did 40 keys
on one Steinway for an owner who would not give up the ivories. I got
a good color match and it is hard to tell.

I do the sanding with the foam filled fine side of the fingernail that
is included with the kit. . Then I use 2000 grit wet or dry and final
finish with White Diamond polish. This give a great shine to the
ivories. Use the white Diamond on all of the keys and the owner will
love it. They look like new.

Doug Gregg
Classic Piano Doc




Message: 7
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:26:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Paul McCloud <pmc033 at earthlink.net>
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: Re: [pianotech] ivory keytop repair
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Hi, Wim
I've done some ivory repair with Acrylikey.  Works well, smelly fumes
tho.  What do you need to know?
I have a few things I can say about the procedure.  I use a magnifier
so I can really see.  I use a razor blade to bevel all the edges.  I
use the supplied dropper to put the liquid in the cup and add the
powder to it until it gets thick, but not too thick.  The liquid
flashes off quickly, so I start it off a little wet, and as I dab it
on the ivory it gets thicker.  You can also put some tape over the
front to prevent it dripping down.  When the plastic gets solidified,
but before fully hard, use a razor blade to trim it.  Much easier than
sanding a bunch off.  If you have voids or pockets, just mix some more
and dab it on.  Let it sit while you do the next one.  I don't try to
mix too much at one time.  New batch for each key.  Tedious, but it
works.  When the plastic is fully hard, use the nail files to sand
down and finish.  You can also buff the keys after, but be careful.
Good luck.
Paul McCLoud
San Diego