Dear Paul,
Having experienced similar issues on Steinway and Baldwin satin finishes you describe, the following is offered
as having not failed on the pianos I have used it on. The finishes I refer to are specifically
50 years old and newer and are still well attached to the case pieces.
The white discoloration caused by disinfectants seems to be a reaction to what is on top of the finish and not the finish itself.
This includes but may not be limited to dried human perspiration, dirt, and finish protectants of all kinds.
After trying a test area or two yourself, original Windex liberally applied to one area at a time starting from the bottom up, and allowed to work for a few minutes before scrubbing and rubbing in the direction of the original satin finish markings takes everything in the way of dirt and
polish off of the piano leaving the original finish clean and in rather good condition. A second washing is preferred or washing til clean.
None of the American piano satin finishes in the age range mentioned have been damaged using this exact method.
The preferred applicators are clean cotton terrycloth towels in good condition. The scrubbing towels will get dirty, the final application must be
performed with clean Windex and clean towels. This is
labor and supplies-intensive, time-consuming and rewarding.
At a point in time water base finishes became preferred(Ha-ha-ha-ha!). Use caution and common sense with this method on those
finishes.
This is presented in the hope that others with the experience of doing this specific work will offer an and easier way with a better result.
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Ed Whitting, RPT
Lake Forest Ca.
714.501.4717
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2021 14:36
From: Paul Williams
Subject: Disinfectant wipes
I'm surprised nobody has responded to this.
We, too have had many pianos carelessly "cleaned" over this pandemic, and really would like to know what to do. I certainly can't send out donzens of pianos for refinishing! Mostly Steinways. Finishes all white and blochy, Some keyboards strangely cloudy.
Are we doomed?
Thanks
Paul
Original Message:
Sent: 7/20/2021 7:46:00 AM
From: Daniel Alberts
Subject: Disinfectant wipes
Hello Folks:
As I'm doing my tuning rotation of 100 Steinway & Sons pianos, I'm accessing any cabinet and key top damage that has occurred as a result from the use of the disinfectant wipes. On some pianos I'm coming across, I'm finding the typical botching on the key tops as we've seen presented and posted on various sites. Also, some damage to the ebony finish with streaking and dulled finish. It seems the damage occurs as a result from a disinfectant wipe and when applied by some of the students it was allowed to puddle on the key tops and various case cabinet parts.
Looking for suggestions/recommendations from anyone who has developed any successful methods for buffing or attempts to restore key tops and cabinet parts as a result of disinfectant wipes.
As a note, we have only used the disinfectant wipes (hydro peroxide) that had been suggested by Steinway & Sons. In addition, I have provided students and faculty video instructions on application. I'm of the opinion that a common sense application and a quick follow up with a dry towel would have eliminated much of the problem. Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Dan Alberts
Registered Piano Technician
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Sent from my iPhone