----- Original Message -----
From: "richhart" <richhart(a)kingmanaz.net>
To: <SPAIN-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2000 12:43 PM
Subject: [SPAIN-L] headstone cleaning
>From another list-this is interesting!
For YFI
From: "Gail Meyer Kilgore"
<gkilgore(a)primenet.com>
Subject: [CO-CEMETERIES] CLEANING
CEMETERY STONES
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 13:19:31 -0700
For your info:
Subject: Cleaning Stone by John Dennis
Cleaning Stone
Check the stone's condition before cleaning
No stone should be cleaned if its condition is
questionable:
A stone with a friable or "sugary" surface,
A stone with a grainy surface that readily falls
away, or
Any other condition that indicates that the stone is
delicate, brittle, or otherwise vulnerable.
ALL surfaces of the stone should be checked. If there is
Any question as to the stone's condition, DO NOT attempt
to clean it as the
surface could be irreparably damaged in the process.
The Cleaning Process
1. Mix a solution of one heaping tablespoon of ORVUS®
(a detergent that comes in either liquid or paste form) to
one gallon of
clean water. ORVUS® is commonly used in association with
horse
and sheep husbandry and is available from feed stores;
2. Pre-wet the stone thoroughly with clear water to
make sure the detergent solution will not be absorbed
directly in the dry
stone;
3. Thoroughly was the PRE-WETTED stone using NATURAL
BRISTLE, WOODEN HANDLED BRUSHES of various sizes. The use
of plastic
handles is not recommended as color from the handles may
leave material on
the stone that will be very difficult to remove.
4. BE THOROUGH. Wash all surfaces. Rinse thoroughly
with lots of water.
Remember!
DO pre-wet the stone with clear water prior to
cleaning, and keep
the stone wet during the entire washing process.
DO NOT allow the detergent solutions to dry on the
stone while cleaning.
NEVER use abrasives, high pressure washes, acids or
bases, solvents, household cleaners, wire brushes, or sand
blasting
or other blasting equipment to clean stone!
Cleaning Marble and Limestone
When cleaning marble or limestone, one tablespoon of
household ammonia can be added to the above mixture; this
will help remove
some greases and oils. DO NOT use ammonia on or near any
bronze or other
metal elements.
Lichens and Algae
Lichens and algae can be removed by first thoroughly
soaking
the stone and then using a wooden scraper to gently remove
the biological
growth. This process may need to be repeated several
times to remove the
material.
Stains
Some stains in porous stones cannot be removed. DO NOT
expect the stones to appear new after cleaning.
Frequency of Cleanings
DO NOT clean marble, limestone, or sandstone more than
once
every 18 months. These types of stones may occasionally
be rinsed
with clean water to remove bird droppings and other
accretions. Granite can
be cleaned as needed.
Keep a Record of the Cleaning
Simple treatment records should be kept with the date of
cleaning, materials used, and change in condition since
last cleaning
(such as missing parts, graffiti, and any other damage).
These
records should be kept at a central location where the
condition of the
stone can be monitored over time.
Developed from data
Supplied by John R. Dennis
Dallas Museum of Art Conservation Lab, March 1995
Gail Meyer Kilgore
Casa Grande, Arizona
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