Abstract
This research studies the effects of mechanical cleaning by brushing and by abrasive blasting on the lime render coating of a facade. After analysing the properties of the material, the deposits to be removed and their possible influence on the treatment, different cleaning tests were made by manual brushing and by blasting with three varieties of abrasives at 45° and 75° angles, keeping the other parameters constant. Taking the restorer’s perspective as a starting point, and in order to fulfil the practical requirements of an intervention, tests were evaluated with macro-photography, USB digital microscope and stereomicroscope with 3D visualization and measurement. From the results can be concluded that abrasives with low friability and greater grain size than the space between mortar aggregates blasted at a 75° angle reduce the differential erosion compared to other abrasives; although manual brushing has less impact on the surface.
Highlights
ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to analyse and evaluate comparatively some poorly documented aspects of these cleaning processes using basic analysis techniques, readily available for the conservator-restorer responsible for cleaning, as well as investigating further mechanical effects of friction, seeking their effectiveness in frequent situations
Mechanical cleaning is based on the application of energy with different tools to break and displace the bonding between surface deposits and substrate by impact, cutting or friction
The cleaning results were analysed by macrophotography and USB digital microscope to observe morphological surface changes and the degree of surface deposits removal because they are reasonably low-cost instruments for the restorer, allowing an evaluation that could be performed in situ
Summary
The aim of the study is to analyse and evaluate comparatively some poorly documented aspects of these cleaning processes using basic analysis techniques, readily available for the conservator-restorer responsible for cleaning, as well as investigating further mechanical effects of friction, seeking their effectiveness in frequent situations
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