For too long now, I have been replacing Ivory keytops with other recuperated sets.

For too long I have been frustrated at never finding the right match, even though I have hundreds to choose from.

I often prefer just replacing the whole set, instead of trying to match even six of them. It seems whatever I do, they always stand out, even though the customer is happy.

Seeing pictures of these one piece Ivories sent graciously by Dan to me, I wonder how I could even possibly match those.

So, has any of you used the AcrilyKey system, and if so was it successful, and preferable?

Thanks all

I use AcryliKey with great results.
Clients are also very happy when I'm done.
I only change fronts if the chips are not repairable.

Thanks Rod, I am looking forward to trying it out.

Any tips would be appreciated.

I recently tried the AcryliKey product. I repaired ivory chips on my Steinway with results better than I had expected. The small kit has pure white color as well as a slightly yellowed powder. Personally I always whiten my ivory keyboards. The AcryliKey has an almost invisible finish if done properly. The first time I did it I repeated the repair a few times but I eventually got the process down. You only mix enough to do one or two at a time, It sands nicely with emery files in different abrasions for coarse to fine to a pre-polish finish. I have done several field repairs since with customers very pleased with the results.

I have tried applying wafers but getting thickness' to match is difficult and time consuming. Some pianos have way to many chip and splits so I would recommend new keytops. It's a good product and is compact enough to keep in your tool case. I'd say give it a try!

Thanks very much.

I will try to take pictures of my first try.

Same here.

I like it also. I have some jewelers files that work when finishing under the lip....

Thanks very much, I thought this would be another gimmick.

I have tried every kind of combination of epoxy, ca glue, with powdered ivory that I sanded myself, to flour and sugar and every other substance that I could think of. Only to be disappointed. For years...

Then, out of despair and resignation, I would find the best match that I could, and glue it on with every possible clamps and glues that I could think of, only to be disappointed by the result. And believe me I am a key man, I just love them. And I am good at it, judging by my customers.

It's just not good enough for ME.

I feel bad thinking a few keys are from a different nice elephant, who probably died because of his tusks. I just don't want to separate them. If this acrylikey stuff works and can help me to save ivory sets, it will be a tribute to them.

I am looking forward (and due) to trying a new procedure.

Some techs are also using UV light curing surfboard repair epoxy for key chips. I tried it a few years back but wasn't entirely pleased with the results. Always ended up whiter than the ivory, even when I mixed in tint.

I tried UV curing products. I like the acrylic that the kit contains.
My wife says it the same stuff she uses for finger nails.
She purchased some today so I'm going to try it.

I hope it matches the outfit you wear to work.

Received my order today and tried it on a spare Ivory. Very nice results!

Thanks everyone.

That's what I've been using for a couple of years now.

It's less expensive and seems to work as well as the stuff used by dentists.

ddf

photos please

I won't be back in the shop until next week Dan, but I will take photos.

Thanks Del,

You mean that the fingernail acrilyc works just as well?

Do you still order the powder or is there an alternative as well?

The kit is 64$ plus 35$ shipping to Canada. I don't mind the 64$ but the shipping is way high, and that is with USPS.

Whenever I order stuff from the supply houses, I always order multiple items to make shipping more economical. Depending on how close you are to the boarder, perhaps you can find a parcel service just south of the boarder to have your items shipped to.

I rarely order stuff outside of Canada. And I have plenty of stock left over from when I had your idea.

Buying more stuff to save on shipping when you don't need it is not economical.

But I understand where you are coming from.

Regardless, even at almost 100$ for the kit, I am satisfied with the product and am confident that, after giving it one try, I will get excellent results.

Maybe I was greedy or cheap by asking if cheaper alternatives could be purchased.

I will post pictures and comments on the results.

True. My situation is probably quite different because I'm still assembling my personal tool collection.




I don't think so. It's smart to pay less if you can.

I sometimes order parts because I cannot be bothered to go and find the ones I know are somewhere.

Guess I am due for a cleanup. And better organizational skills!

Then I refuse to throw stuff away. Many times old parts recycled have saved my butt.

It's a dilemma when you get lots of parts.

Flanges, wippens, let-off rails, hammer rails, fallboards, pedals, pedal springs etc....

Old hammer sets, in case I should need to replace one of them someday. Yeah right!

Ivories, two full big drawers of them, taped together by sets etc... thousands.

You need room for that stuff, and after a while, it takes a lot of room.

Tools? Well that's another story, but the basic principle applies.

I guess my New Years resolution will be to clean-up and make choices.

Seems to. I think I heard about this first from Ryan Sowers and, when I needed something in a hurry, I went to a local beauty shop supply store and picked up a couple of different appropriate-looking colors of powder along with the liquid that goes with the powder. Smells about the same which is to say they both smell equally bad. Use with plenty of ventilation.

I've had some repaired keys out there for several years that are doing just fine.

It's a lot easier and, I think, better than trying to match original ivory heads.

ddf

Thanks very much!!!

I am so tired of trying to match them, and reticent to separate them.

My daughter used to sell Mary Kay products. And I can see how the cosmetics industry, given the profits involved, would have come up with a product.

I believe I can now find what I am looking for.

Thanks again Del!!!!!

PS and thanks to Ryan Sowers as well!

I have a couple of questions, this is an interesting thread!
Is this kit for repairing cracks or filling in chips? How would one apply if you were to use fingernail acrylic?

I believe it is chip fill and done in the same way that false nails are filled in at the cuticle as they grow.

I have not used it for cracks but I believe it would work.

We're not talking about "fingernail acrylic" as in the stuff women paint on their fingernails to make them colorful.

This is the powder/liquid stuff used to build up and/or create "artificial nails" and to make repairs to broken or damaged fingernails. Your beauty shop supply people will know the difference.

ddf

It does but you generally have to open up the crack a bit. Rather like opening up a soundboard crack to work the shims in. But in miniature. You have to be able to get the material down in there.

ddf

Please forgive me, but this thread has caused some delightfut chuckles from the way it has turned.

It's time for a new forum called the Tuner-Technician-Fingernail Salon.

I have find the white powder and monomer (not expensive)

They are very easy to use, but the final colour is slightly translucide.

Do some tried to mix with some white powder (as titanium white) ?

The mix is so strong and hard once set (very fast) I suppose it can accept a little neutral power and/or a trace of yellow acrylic colour.

The smell is awful !