Zprávy památkové péče 2023, 83(2):176-184 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2023.2.06

Risks and limits of using cleaning pastes in sandstone treatment

Jakub Ďoubal, Karol Bayer
Fakulta restaurování, Univerzita Pardubice

The aim of this article is to mention the risks associated with the use of ammonium hydrogen difluoride-based cleaning pastes on quartz sandstone and especially on sculptural works. Chemical cleaning with ammonium hydrogen difluoride or other soluble fluoride-based pastes is still a relatively common method in common restoration practice. The main reason for this is the ease and speed of application and thus the economic advantage, which plays an important role in a situation where price is often the only criterion for choosing a supplier. However, these advantages are offset by the low controllability of the process (uneven cleaning and risk of overcleaning), the introduction of chemical residues and impurities into the porous system, the need to use large amounts of water for washing, and foremostly the risk of surface disturbance and thus a significant acceleration of degradation processes. The article describes in detail and justifies the limits associated with the use of cleaning pastes in restoration, drawing on foreign published studies and our own experience and research, and is supplemented by a wealth of visual material documenting the processes described.

Keywords: quartz sandstone; restoration; chemical cleaning; cleaning pastes; ammonium fluoride; ammonium hydrogen difluoride

Published: November 29, 2023  Show citation

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Ďoubal, J., & Bayer, K. (2023). Risks and limits of using cleaning pastes in sandstone treatment. Zprávy památkové péče, 83(2), 176-184. doi: 10.56112/zpp.2023.2.06
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