Ivory
piano keys
I have
a very old piano with ivory keys, however the ivory keys are dirty
and turning yellow. Can this be safely cleaned off?
Yes it can
be removed or lightened, however it is not advisable, nor is it
wise if the piano is an antique. This yellowing can be considered
relative to the age of the instrument, and removing it can diminish
the authenticity of the piece. Ivory is very reactive to its environment.
It bleaches
when exposed to light but the most severe changes are linked to
changes in relative humidity and temperature. Low humidity can cause
shrinking and cracking, while high relative humidity can cause warping
and swelling. Some darkening or "patina" is the result of the natural
aging process and because it is porous, ivory is also susceptible
to staining. It darkens in contact with the skin or oils and can
be stained by corroding metals or other colored materials.
Many liquids,
including water and many cleaning chemicals, are destructive to
ivory and should be avoided. Ivory will yellow more readily in the
dark. If there is a key cover, keep it open so that the keys will
be exposed to sunlight. This will not likely improve the present
degree of yellowing but it will help to prevent further discoloration.
As far as
removing the yellow, it depends how deep it has gone. Often rubbing
the keys with #0000(very fine) steel wool will remove the yellow,
however it would be best to have someone familiar with restoring
ivory evaluate the condition first.
Here are
some tips for regular cleaning to keep your piano keys looking their
best.
Always begin
cleaning with the gentlest method, and gradually use more invasive
techniques, as required. Due to ivory's sensitivity to moisture,
only dry cleaning methods should be used. If these are insufficient,
consult a conservator with experience cleaning ivory. You must always
be careful that you are not trying to remove original surface coats,
pigments or patinas! Also, because ivory so readily absorbs oils
and stains, wear a pair of white cotton gloves.
1. Soft
Brush. Using a clean, soft paintbrush or duster, remove dust from
the keys. Work slowly towards the edge.
2. Powdered
Eraser. Grate white vinyl eraser, using a zester. It MUST be white
vinyl eraser! Gently rub the grated eraser on the ivory, using either
the soft brush or your fingertip while wearing the white cotton
gloves. Be certain to gently brush away all of the eraser bits when
you are done.
3. White
Vinyl Eraser. Gently use a white vinyl eraser (un-grated) over the
surface of the ivory. Be careful not to apply too much pressure,
and to work only one key at a time.
4. Groomstik.
Groomstik is a natural rubber product, which is sticky. It pulls
the dirt off of the surface of the ivory. It is available through
museum supply houses -- check with your local museum. Using a small
piece of Groomstik, gently roll it across the surface of the keys.
Be careful not to pull off any small or loose pieces of ivory, or
of pigment, etc.
If these
cleaning methods do not work, again, contact a conservator experienced
in working with ivory.
E-mail your comments, submit an article, or suggest a topic
