Caring for Cultural Material 1

Caring for Cultural Material 2

Damage and Decay

Managing Collections

Managing People

Handling, Transportation, Storage and Display

Glossary

Index

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Caring for Cultural Material 2
In this volume:
– Textiles
– Leather
– Wood
– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Material
arrow Metals
– Outdoor Collections
– Acknowledgments
Metals
In this chapter:
– Objectives
– Introduction
– Metal objects in collections
– Common metals
– The nature of metals
– What are the most common types of damage?
– Common causes of damage
– Handling, storage and display guidelines
– Metals in Australia’s climatic zones
– Care of particular metals
– Silver
– Nickel silver
– Copper and copper alloys
– Iron and its alloys
– Plated iron
– Lead and pewter
– Tin and its alloys
– Aluminium
– Gold
  MORE ABOUT METALS
– Alloys
– Corrosion of metals
– Electroplate
– Zinc carbonate blotter
– Brasses
– Bronzes
– Iron and steel
arrow Bentonite paste
– Chloride ions and aluminium and its alloys
– Spot-tests
– For further reading
– Self-evaluation quiz
– Answers to self-evaluation quiz

 

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Metals

Bentonite paste

Bentonite paste is made by sprinkling bentonite powder into a prepared solution of the alkali or acid, and mixing it into a paste. The concentrations of acid and alkali in the paste are usually higher than if a corresponding solution was being used.

For example, an 8% solution—that is, 80g per litre—of alkali and a 10% solution—that is, 100g per litre—of citric acid are recommended. The paste can be applied directly to the area to be treated.

If the surface is not smooth, residues of the paste can become clogged, making it awkward to remove. To make removal easier, first place a piece of water-dampened tissue paper over the treatment area, and apply the paste on top. It is preferable to cover the poultice of paste with cling wrap, to prevent it drying out.

Repeated applications of the paste may be required. The paste can be removed by hosing the surface with water and scrubbing it with a bristle brush. Then dry the object fully.

Bentonite paste treatment is also recommended if solder joints or related fastenings are present, because these are also readily attacked by citric acid.

 

 

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