Pianotech

I notice the above question appeared without the usual signature, so I'm adding it in this response.

Don't know, possibly.  I did try treating an action recently with Verdi-gone (Perfluoropolyethyer from Supply 88) and it did free up the hammer flanges as well as the jacks (older Mason Hamlin).  Previous treatment with Protek lasted about 6 months.  That product, btw, is originally used for cleaning verdigris off coins) 

Selling a Steinway with verdigris without disclosing is malpractice, IMO. 

Thanks, David. I agree. Was the Verdi-gone a permanent fix? Did you have to re-pin? 

I'm not sure yet. This is the first time I've used it. I became aware of it after our last meeting actually. It was effective in freeing up both the jacks and the flanges in this particular case. But I only treated it about a week ago, so I can't really answer you quite yet. The report at our chapter meeting was that it was a permanent fix, but I can't attest to that yet.  

A dealer I worked with (many, many years ago) often bought Steinways with verdigris issues.  We would heavily douse the actions with cigarette lighter fluid and leave them out in the sun to dry out.  This was a  temporary fix, but it never cured the problem.  

As far as I know every treatment, besides completely  replacing  the  affected parts was inadequate.  Pianos  I worked with for  years required treatment and repining every year until I was able to  convince the customer that only new arts would resolve the issue.

But  CLP or other  treatments often  freed the parts enough to  sell the piano.

Caveat emptor!

My MO has long been to dissolve and clean out what I can, but always inform owner that its a temp fix (replacement is cure). Repinning with SS rolled pins lengthens the fix as there is no more exposed copper alloy to react. Currently my solvent of choice is TSI-301 which is also a super lubricant. 

Fomblin however, seems to turn the goo into a lubricious mass. I have had mixed results with it. Sometimes effective, sometimes not. Cannot speak to long term results. Mark Purdy claims long term success. 

Bear in mind the the stuff is a form of PFAS (Dupont has contaminated the entire earth with it by manufacturing Teflon, etc.). Look it up on Wikipedia.  There are several chemical forms of PFPE. 

Peter Grey Piano Doctor