Key cleaning — Pianoconcerto Forum

Member

Posts: 5
City: Roma

March 30, 2020, 19:30

Good evening everyone,

Unfortunately, due to a house fire, the piano keyboard that was left open was damaged in the way you see in the photo. There is a black resin deposited on all the keys. The last ones that you see slightly whiter were treated by the cleaning company that cleared out the rooms, but they had to stop to avoid damaging them further.

Would you be so kind as to recommend a method to try to make them return, if possible, to their original state?

Thank you all.

pianoexpert

Moderator

Posts: 3,876
City: rocca di papa

March 31, 2020, 08:02

First of all, I am sorry about what happened! As for the keyboard, it would need to be seen to see if it can be polished back to its shine once cleaned. If the resin has been exposed to a lot of heat, it might have been irreversibly damaged, but that is not certain. If that is not the case and it is just blackened or stained, perhaps it can be polished. As a final measure, it would be unglued, replaced, and realigned (general keyboard regulation). Perhaps a few more photos would be better, although, for a definitive answer, it must be examined in person. (naturally at the end of "iorestoacasa")

polzix

Member

Posts: 5
City: Roma

March 31, 2020, 09:36

pianoexpert wrote:
1 hour ago, pianoexpert said:
First of all, I am sorry for what happened! As for the keyboard, it would need to be seen to see if it can be polished back to a shine once cleaned. If the resin has been subjected to a lot of heat, it might have been irreversibly damaged, but that is not certain. If that is not the case and it is just blackened or stained, perhaps it can be polished. As a final decision, it will be unglued, replaced, and realigned (general keyboard regulation). Perhaps a few more photos would be better, although for a definitive answer, it must be examined in person. (naturally at the end of the "restoration at home")

Thank you for the response Paolo, what products could I try to use for cleaning without risking further damage?

Currently, unfortunately, I am unable to take more photos because I am not at home, and I will begin the restoration as soon as this period has passed.

pianoexpert

Moderator

Posts: 3,876
City: rocca di papa

April 1, 2020, 07:42

You can try with a normal car body polish, but not an abrasive paste. This is if the yellowing is only superficial; otherwise, it must be sanded and polished again

polzix

Member

Posts: 5
City: Roma

April 2, 2020, 10:20

pianoexpert wrote:
On 1/4/2020 at 07:42, pianoexpert said:
You can try with a normal car body polish, but not an abrasive paste. This is if the yellowing is only superficial; otherwise, it must be sanded and polished again.

perfect thanks