Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
- Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cleaning a very old French Clock with Ormolu Finish
Oldest questions first ...
2001Q. Hi! I am working on cleaning an old (ca 1795) French clock that has "fire-gilt" bronze mounts.
One of the pieces was cleaned by the previous owner by soaking it overnight in clock-cleaning solution and then polishing it with foam silver polish. I've heard that ormolu is pretty delicate, but I don't see how it could develop any real "patina" since it doesn't oxidize at all.
OK, with that intro, here is what I'd like help with:
1. Do you think he damaged the gold by using the polish?
2. How should I clean the remaining pieces?
Many thanks!
Rob S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ormolu / Gilt Metal Cleaning
Q. I would also like to ask what is the best way of cleaning ormolu mounts. I have an Empire cut class lidded bowl with ormolu mounts, and it has been painted a long while ago. I have in the past noticed that ormolu can have a strange greyish - blue oxidation. I wonder what this is? It is fairly rough, and can be picked off, a bit like the tartar on teeth. It can be removed from flat surfaces very easily, but the problem arises when it needs removing from delicately chased figures and decorative bands. Can anyone help? Is there some kind of solvent that will remove it? It has properties similar to limescale, but vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] doesn't do much to remove it.
Thank you.
Thomas Mezei- Hungary
2001
Gilt bronze, electrolysis, yellow gold finish in bronze
Q. Hi technical support of finishing!
I'm a restorer. I have this customer with a wonderful French commode, plenty of ormolu. She wants this bronze ormolu look gilt bronze. She named something like Vermier, Vermeir the look that neoclassical sconces have, Soft metal and yellow gold look. I'm not sure if this is something that can be added now in some coating or by electrolysis. Any suggestions, I'll really appreciate. Also if this can be done, who can do it, company, craft people...?
Thanks!
Haydee A. I. SalinasIabel Aalinas, Artisan. Antiques & Fine Furniture Restoration. - Englewood, New Jersey
2002
A. I have used diluted lime juice quite successfully to clean ormolu which has gone quite black with age ...
Q. ... but would like to know if this can do any harm, or what other methods for cleaning ormolu especially mounts which are complex shapes and not with flat surface.
H. Walford- Bangkok, Thailand
2003
Q. I have a very old Ormolu clock that needs cleaning? Could you give some advice as to what materials to use to clean it without damaging the gold finish.Cheers Gregor
Gregor Casey- Paihia Bay Of Islands Far North New Zealand
June 10, 2015
June 11, 2015 A. Good day Gregor. Lab Tech. - Whitby, On., Canada. A. Try this link; there are some metals conservators on this list. - Zagreb,Croatia June 11, 2015 ---- |
Dear Eric, thank you for your prompt reply and information. I will be getting stuck in to it, ASAP. Kind regards.
Dear Goran, thank you for your fast response and information. I will get on to that site and get on to cleaning the clock ASAP. Kind regards
Gregor Casey [returning]- Paihia Bay Of Islands Far North New Zealand
June 12, 2015
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