Conservation MethodologyCLEANING
Cleaning gravestones is generally not recommended unless performing repairs. Biological soiling will degrade stone surfaces over a long time. The affects of this degradation needs to be weighed against the degrading affects of cleaning. Depending on the method of cleaning this can be beneficial or detrimental. If cleaning is necessary the stone surfaces should be rinsed with a generous amount of water and brushed with a natural bristle brush. Repeat as necessary. If a stone has biological growth, it can be treated with an anti-biological solution. D2 is the recommended product for this application. Removal of failed repairs Repairs are considered as having failed if they are no longer functional, are unsightly, or are a hazard. Failed adhesives, mortars and pins require careful removal before proceeding with conservation treatment. Some temporary stabilization may be necessary as poorly attached fragments are disassembled. Removal of degraded structural resins may be particularly difficult and time-consuming. Mechanical removal is generally done with small hand tools. The cutting of pins and fasteners may require power tools. Ferrous metal pins are most often locked in place by corrosion expansion. Their removal is best done by careful drilling with a properly sized coring bit. |
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