New name, same lubricant:
Verdi-Gone PFPE is the piano industry's solution for verdigris centers.
Often referred to as "Fomblin" (a PFPE manufacturer's trade name), this mixture dissolves verdigris while lubricating center pins and bushings with one of the most effective and stable polymer lubricants ever invented. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in its effectiveness against action centers frozen with verdigris contamination.
"PFPE to the rescue. My first application and all I can say is WOW! This Steinway was unplayable as can be seen in the video. My other center pin lubricant wasn’t working. The piano needs new hammers and action parts, but the PFPE will enable the piano to be used for my client's party next week."
- Alex Smith, TX
Does Verdi-Gone creep (migrate)?
Yes, according to a paper published by NASA. For this reason, we do not advise using PFPE on wire bearing points.
Update on potential effectiveness against verdigris:
In September 2019 we obtained some frozen, verdigris-infested hammers to experiment with. Those treated with the leading center pin lubricant remained frozen, but those treated with PFPE returned to normal friction without any repinning. We set aside some samples from this experiment, and after all this time, the PFPE-treated hammers continue to swing the same number of times as when the lubricant was applied. This is a small experiment, but after a few years of providing this lubricant, we have received feedback from dozens of technicians reporting similar results.
How to use:
Apply a few drops to the center pins/bushings and work the part back and forth to help distribute the solution to penetrate the entire interface between felt and metal. Jacks can be more difficult due to the short range of motion.
Important Notes
- PFPE is prone to creep (migrate), according to a paper published by NASA. For this reason, we do not suggest using it on wire bearing points.
- We consider the use of PFPE lubricant for piano action centers experimental. Supply88 makes no claims or guarantees about this product, but we do think it's pretty awesome stuff.
- Some action centers cannot be sufficiently loosened with VerdiGone or any other lubricant, and will require repinning or parts replacement.
- Supply88 assumes no responsibility for any problems or damages resulting from the use of this product.
- This product is sold by weight, not volume. It contains a carefully-weighed solution that is much denser than water.
- Please avoid inhalation of fumes and avoid direct exposure to skin and eyes.
- Over-tightening the aluminum bottle's cap can damage the threads. The cap will form a tight seal well before it reaches that point. Once you notice the cap become a little harder to turn, don't go much beyond that point.
- Orders of Verdi-Gone to addresses outside the United States do so at their own risk. So far all international orders have passed customs inspections, but we cannot guarantee it for every country. If the package makes it back to us, we'll refund the items, but NOT the shipping costs.