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  • 1.  Cleaning Copper

    Posted 08-09-2022 15:10

    Hi,

     

    We recently purchased a copper medal that is quite dirty.  What would be a resource to look at (on-line or a publication) to get recommendations on how to gently surface clean it?

     

    Would you recommend using a Sunshine Polishing Cloth, which we use to remove tarnish on silver medals?  Or we have used a few drops of a non-ionic detergent, such as Triton X-100, mixed in distilled water and applied with a Q-tip for surface cleaning other metals.

     

    Any thoughts appreciated!

    Maureen

     

     

    Maureen K. Harper   (she/her/hers)

    Collections Manager

    Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

    33 Marrett Road (street) / P. O. Box 519 (mailing)

    Lexington, MA   02420-0519

     

    Phone:   781-457-4112 (office) or 978-502-3616 (cell)

    Email:     mharper@srmml.org

     



  • 2.  RE: Cleaning Copper

    Posted 08-10-2022 12:52
    Hi Maureen, 
    It is difficult to answer your question without more information, such as, is it just surface dirt, are there corrosion products to be removed? 

    You may have this from CCI, but here's a link The Cleaning, Polishing and Protective Waxing of Brass and Copper – Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes 9/3

    Plus, as a side note, the conservation community has been moving away from Triton X-100 (toxicity issues) and substituting with surfactants like Ecosurf EH-6

    Craig

    ------------------------------
    Craig Deller
    Fellow
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Cleaning Copper

    Posted 08-10-2022 18:59
    Hi Maureen,

    I am the C2C Care Monitor for the week. CCI is a great resource (thanks for chiming in with that Craig!). Would you be able to share an image of the piece? This would be helpful in providing further guidance. 

    Best,
    Rebecca



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Cleaning Copper

    Posted 08-11-2022 13:55
    Thanks for the note on Triton X-100 Craig.  You are right about Triton X-100 as it can penetrate bare skin.  Here is a link discussing toxicity issues for those interested.
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/75/7/75_110179/_pdf

    Tom--
    --
    Thomas J. Podnar
    Conservator of Sculpture and Historic Fountains
    Metals Specialist

    Professional Associate-Peer Reviewed
    American Institute for Conservation
    of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)

    McKay Lodge Fine Arts Conservation Laboratory
    10915 Pyle Road
    Oberlin, Ohio  44074 office:  440-774-4215  FAX:    440-775-1368
    Website:  mckaylodge.com
    MOBILE: 216-650-4710




    Original Message


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