Claire Schiller on fri 15 oct 04
I have an old pitcher, maybe from the early 1900s, and the glaze is crazed
from age. I would like to wash it, because it is covered in a thin film of
nicotene scum from being around somebody who smoked - it is really gross
because it stinks, and the grime is hiding the brilliance of the colors
underneath. BUT I am concerned that if I wash it, I might do more damage.
I have seen what happens to crazed china when wet - the lines turn grey
making the crazing more apparent. Is there a way to dry the pitcher out
after I wash it that won't hurt it more? Or better yet, is there another
way of cleaning the smoke scum off?
pdp1@EARTHLINK.NET on fri 15 oct 04
Hi Claire,
"Windex"
Or, if truely a vitrified Clay Body, a soak in 1/2 & 1/2
Bleach & Water, with a good squirt of Dish Washing Soap
mixed in.
At least, such would be my method...
I would not use the Bleach-Water soak if the Clay Body is
suspected of being porous...
Phil
el ve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Claire Schiller"
> I have an old pitcher, maybe from the early 1900s, and the
glaze is crazed
> from age. I would like to wash it, because it is covered
in a thin film of
> nicotene scum from being around somebody who smoked - it
is really gross
> because it stinks, and the grime is hiding the brilliance
of the colors
> underneath. BUT I am concerned that if I wash it, I might
do more damage.
> I have seen what happens to crazed china when wet - the
lines turn grey
> making the crazing more apparent. Is there a way to dry
the pitcher out
> after I wash it that won't hurt it more? Or better yet, is
there another
> way of cleaning the smoke scum off?
Ivor and Olive Lewis on sat 16 oct 04
Dear Claire Schiller,
I would suggest that you contact a nearby museum that is noted for its
restoration work. They have people who are graduates in the Art of
Conservation and would give credible advice. The Smithsonion may have
something on the topic in their on line site.
Best regards.Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
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