Effective cleaning of copper stained calcareous stone

Abstract

Background: Light calcareous stone materials used in connection with cultural heritage objects, such as pedestals, or used as wall facings in connection with bronze statues or joints often show green staining due to the corrosion products from the bronze elements. The green stains alter the appearance of the monument and thus disrupt the original intention. Due to this, several cleaning methods, often involving ammonia, have been developed for removal of copper stains from stone surfaces. This paper describes a new, highly efficient method for cleaning copper stains from calcareous stone by introducing the chelating agent ethylenediamine in a poultice consisting of Laponite® RD, Arbocel® BC1000 and CMC. Results: Cleaning experiments were performed on marble and on a calcareous sandstone plinth contaminated with natural copper corrosion products due to outdoor exposure of an untreated bronze statue. The cleaning results were evaluated by visual observations. Conclusion: The chemical cleaning of copper stained calcareous stone surfaces has been investigated and a new method for removal of copper stains has been developed. A solution of 0.1 M ethylenediamine in a poultice consisting of Laponite® RD/Arbocel® BC1000/CMC has shown to be an effective, economical, and fast do-it-yourself method.