- First, use a mixture of mild hand soap and warm water to clean the ivory piano key, and then remove all soapy residue with a water-dampened cloth.
- Using a small file, file down the chipped area of the key, making sure to get rid of any remaining dirt in the process.
- Take a sharp knife and cut a small channel all the way across the key front.
- Take a plastic cup and mix the Acrylic Polymer Powder with the Acrylic Monomer Liquid (add a little bit of the Yellow Acrylic Polymer Powder if you need to in ...
- Using a toothpick, apply the mixture to the ivory key that is in need of repair. Use the toothpick to keep the mixture in place until it begins to harden.
- Sand down the key after the mixture has dried, and then buff it with a buffing wheel and appropriate buffing compound until it looks just like the rest of the ...
How to safely clean your piano keys?
Method 1 Method 1 of 4: Using a Damp Cloth and Soap
- Dampen a clean cloth. To remove surface layer dirt and marks, use a clean soft cloth. ...
- Apply a small amount of mild soap. Once the cloth is damp, apply a few dots of mild soap. ...
- Wipe the keys lightly. Wipe each key individually. ...
- Dry the keys. Once you have finished wiping each key, use a new clean cloth to dry the keys. ...
How to safely whiten ivory piano keys?
To whiten ivory piano keys is by using a combination of white toothpaste and milk. Below are steps to whiten your discolored keys safely: Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a dry cloth. Begin gently buffing the piano keys one by one. Allow the toothpaste to rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
How to tell if piano has "real" ivory keys?
What’s the most expensive piano?
- Bösendorfer Opus 50 $750,000. …
- Fazioli M Liminal by NYT Line $695,000. …
- Fazioli Gold Leaf $450,000. …
- Blüthner Supreme Edition with 24K Gold inlaid lid $420,000 and up. …
- Boganyi $390,000. …
- Blüthner Lucid Hive Extravaganza $200,000 and up. …
- 2021 Piano Collection.
How can you tell if the piano keys are ivory?
To whiten your discolored piano keys, follow these steps:
- Gently buff white piano keys with a thin layer of mild, white toothpaste, and follow the general key-cleaning tips.
- Wipe away toothpaste residue with a cloth slightly dampened with whole milk, and dry immediately.
- Indirect sunlight after a cleaning can help prevent white piano keys from yellowing. ...
How do you restore ivory piano keys?
You can also use white toothpaste to clean ivory keys. Be sure to use normal, plain white toothpaste only. The gel and colored toothpaste corrode and discolor ivory. This will help whiten the keys again.
How much does it cost to replace ivory piano keys?
Having a professional remove the ivory and replacing it with plastic usually costs between $400-$600. This cost can vary based on the model of your piano (grands cost more).
What is the best glue for ivory piano keys?
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE GLUE: Professional Piano PVC-E Glue - It dries completely clear. Excellent adhesive for piano keys, cloth, felt, or leather. Adequate adhesive to repair a full set of piano keytops or any other piano projects you may be working on. PVC-E Glue is the preferred adhesive among piano technicians.
Are old ivory piano keys worth anything?
Ivory keytops are not valuable. Because the trade in ivory is completely outlawed around the world, the keytops are not valuable. But even if it was legal, remember that only a thin veneer on top of the key is made of ivory. The entire key isn't made of solid ivory.
What year did they stop making pianos with ivory keys?
In 1990, a global treaty was signed, banning trade in all kinds of rhino or elephant ivory. Pianos with ivory keys are no longer manufactured, but many older pianos with ivory keys still exist and are in use.
How can you tell if piano keys are real ivory?
Look for an ultraviolet torch. Hold it above the piano keys. If you notice the keys reflect either bright white or violet-blue colours, the keys are made of ivory. Artificial material like resins or plastics will show a completely different reaction.
What glue works best on ivory?
White glue, such as Elmer's, works in most cases, but epoxy works better for inserting ivory into flat grain wood. If the ivory and the object you would like to glue the ivory to are both smooth, CA glues work well. PVA resin glue works on most projects and tends to be stronger than white glue.
How do you fix broken ivory?
Mix clear glue with fine ivory, bone or antler shavings. Fill the crack with the glue and shavings mixture. Press the crack together and hold for two minutes for a thorough bond. Allow two to three hours for the mixture to dry.
How do you glue ivory on a piano?
As for the best glue for ivory adhesion, I use clear melamine adhesive mixed with titanium dioxide powder so that it dries white.
Can you own a piano with ivory keys?
The short answer to this question is no, you can't buy new pianos with ivory keys anymore. They have been outlawed on new pianos since the 1970s in the United States although some European manufacturers continued to offer ivory keys on select pianos into the 1980's.
How much does it cost to fix piano keys?
There are also bushings the center of the key, called the balance rail, which are right behind the fall board, which need to be “eased”. However, as in all repairs, sometimes it does get a little more complicated, and the key has to be removed to be eased, which can cost anywhere from $10 – $75.
When did selling ivory become illegal?
January 18, 1990The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) decided to end international ivory trade in 1989. This year marks thirty years since the ban entered into effect, on January 18, 1990.
Can ivory piano keys be replaced?
Many people are not aware that chipped ivory piano keys can be repaired. There is actually a product called AcryliKey that is made specifically for this purpose. Similar in nature to dental epoxy, AcryliKey is a special powder that is mixed with Acrylic Monomer Liquid and applied to the chipped piano key.
How much does it cost to fix piano keys?
There are also bushings the center of the key, called the balance rail, which are right behind the fall board, which need to be “eased”. However, as in all repairs, sometimes it does get a little more complicated, and the key has to be removed to be eased, which can cost anywhere from $10 – $75.
How do you replace ivory keys?
0:182:53Can You Replace Just One Ivory Key on Your Piano? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell it's not quite so simple. Because since ivories come from elephants. There's no two that areMoreWell it's not quite so simple. Because since ivories come from elephants. There's no two that are exactly alike.
Can you get piano keys replaced?
If you are not happy with how your piano keys look, there is a solution. The old keytops can be removed and replaced with new, durable keytops that are sure to improve the appearance of your piano.
How Do You Restore Ivory Piano Keys?
An alternative to mild white toothpaste is to use normal white toothpaste in place of the ivory keys. It discolors ivory by coraging or corroded from the gel. Whenever a person removes white toothpaste residue by wiping it with whole milk, the keys are dried with them.
How Can I Tell If My Piano Keys Are Real Ivory?
Like metal keytops, ivory keys are in three dimensions: a key, a stem, and a front. This is the joint between the top and the stem in the middle of the key. You might be able to pick up ivory keys from this line.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Piano Key?
It costs approximately $475 to do this procedure. In addition to the upright piano you’ll need $595 for an upright piano. If you own a grand piano, you pay up to $2000. You may also take out the old leads and replace with new ones in the future to solve the problem. About $900 will be required to replace key leads.
Can I Sell My Ivory Piano Keys?
In other words, anyone who wants to buy, sell, or take in trade ivory-keyed pianos will be refused entry unless the ivory has first been removed from the piano.
Are Real Ivory Piano Keys Worth Anything?
As part of preparation for piano repairs, technicians sometimes carry an ivory key top with them. It was once possible to have gathered thousands of dollars from ivory keys before the ban. Almost every retailer in the world sells them. Thorough research is a must when investigating ivory laws.
How to clean ivory?
Instead, use a very fine steel wood pad and apply gentle “elbow grease.” It’s important that the scour pad is marked ‘very fine.’ Another option is a white vinyl eraser.
What to use to clean an electric piano?
For most pianos, regular dish soap and a washcloth will do the trick. Be advised, however, that if you have an electric piano, any liquid (even water) should be avoided, as this can damage the electrical components inside. In that scenario, it’s best to use a damp sponge or chemically-treated wipe such as Magic Eraser.
Can you have ivory keys on a piano?
Many players accept this as simply part of owning a piano. However, you don’t have to “deal with” unsightly keys.
