Ormolu Cleaning
Intricate gilt bronze or brass decorative mounts frequently found on highly decorative furniture and objets can become ingrained with dirt, grease and wax and in some instances be affected by the oxidation of alloys from beneath the gilt layer which was either mercury gilded in the 18th Century or electroplated thereafter.
I have many years of experience in the removal and cleaning of all types of ormolu applied mounts and mouldings from both 18th and 19th Century furniture, clocks and sculpture. I have learnt to distinguish between the different types of gilt application as well as to identify where a technique of simulating a gilt finish had been applied where the bronze or brass mount has been coated in a varnish tinted with saffron or powdered liquorice. These distinctions are of importance as different techniques and a variety of chemicals such as hydrocarbon solvents and conservation soaps may be applied to remove stubborn layers of dirt and oxidation.
Due to the extremely thin layer of applied gold on a ormolu piece it is absolutely paramount that mechanical cleaning is avoided and only once fully clean by way of chemical cleaning is the surface burnished to a sheen with cotton wool.
25 years of experience working in fine antique furniture restoration...
I have restored thousands of items back to their best condition and have a reputation for outstanding quality. From my full equipped, secure and insured premises I provide a highly personalised service to all my clients.
Contact
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Penrose Restoration,
Vowels Lane
Kingscote
West Sussex
RH19 4LD - 01342 618233 / 07790 909691
- julian@penrose-restoration.com
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