Thread: Advise on stains in bone and Ivory

Does anyone know of a way to remove stains in Ivory and bone, particularly rust stains?
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

I've heard tooth paste works to clean off ivory.

Originally Posted by basil

I've heard tooth paste works to clean off ivory.

+1. You can also use a simple baking soda/peroxide solution which is basically the same as toothpaste minus the flouride.

Originally Posted by Theseus

+1. You can also use a simple baking soda/peroxide solution which is basically the same as toothpaste minus the flouride.

Lol wouldn't the fluoride help keep the ivory strong

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Does anyone know of a way to remove stains in Ivory and bone, particularly rust stains?
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

Rust is difficult. If a mild abrasive like
toothpaste does not move it be cautious.

Chemicals that attack red rust and iron stains would attack the ivory
in all likelihood. Piano restoration folk might know more
if you can find one to visit with. Ivory is difficult for a number
of reasons including the legal point of view so replacement scales
are hard to find.

Coloration in ivory is prized.With mammoth scales the surface stuff with all the staining is the most expensive.

if you really want to get that coloration out, i know that putting a paper towel over the scales and pouring bleach on the towel would work wonders, and would not harm the material. Look up bone bleaching on google (for taxidermy) HOWEVER, I suggest putting something heavy over the whole thing, so that they don't warp. (I don't know if moisture matters on those materials as far as warping

Please do not use bleach on ivory. Ivory is not bone. The harshest chemical that should be used on ivory would be dilluted peroxide.