How to remove buildup from artifacts

[dallaskincaid]

I recovered some porcelain tile from a wreck that has quite a bit of build up on it...about 100 years worth. I've had people suggest using acid to get rid of the buildup but I'm concerned about ruining the tile. I'm currently trying the toilet bowl technique but peeing on it doesn't seem to be doing much...just kidding...it's in the tank, but not a whole lot is happening and it feels like it may take years for me to have an artifact I can actually display.

Anyone have any experience with this? Any tips, suggestions on how to clean the porcelain without damaging it in the process?

 

[spectrum]

In the toilet tank? Is that a common technique? What does it offer besides the risk of messing up a crapper?

My efforts have been limited so I'm curious too. In some cases I have treated dirty dishes as dirty dishes and done well.

 

[claymore]

If it is truly porcelain it should be fairly resistant to most chemicals. Ceramic tiles are not quite as resistant.
If i remember correctly porcelain tile is the same material all the way though and when it is fired it becomes similar to glass. Ceramic tile is clay with a glaze applied and then fired which melts/bonds the glaze to the tile and makes the clay into a fired pottery material so it is not quite as tough as porcelain.

Have you tried some of the household cleaners and a scrub brush? Then maybe some white vineger.

 

[knotical]

this might be of interest: http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/UA_ Conserv.pdf

 

[SeaCobra]

the first questions is - do you really want to remove the "buildup"? I prefer to leave hard growth, etc., on the artifacts when I can, adds to the conversation piece. Keep it in the back of the tank for a month or two. At that point it should be pretty stable and you can clean as you like.

the toilet tank offers the advantage of changing the water with every flush. Put a note on the tank with the date for removal and be sure to check the tank before you move out.

 

[dallaskincaid]

It's a LOT of buildup. If it was just a little, I'd be fine with it. I'm not looking to have it be pristine, obviously the patina adds character...I just want it to be a little less gamey.

 

[j2s]

We use apple cider vinegar to remove deposits from sharks teeth......The acid/enzyme in the vinegar dissolves calcium (coral and other deposits ) but doesn't hurt the enamel on the teeth.......Might want to try it or see if any one has had experience w/that.......It can be found in any grocery store......

 

[dallaskincaid]

We use apple cider vinegar to remove deposits from sharks teeth......The acid/enzyme in the vinegar dissolves calcium (coral and other deposits ) but doesn't hurt the enamel on the teeth.......Might want to try it or see if any one has had experience w/that.......It can be found in any grocery store......

Would you recommend just letting it soak for a week or something, or trying to scrub the deposit off? One side of the tile is nearly completely clear, the back side has maybe 1.5 inches of build up on it.

---------- Post added August 30th, 2013 at 09:20 PM ----------

this might be of interest: http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/UA_ Conserv.pdf

Thank you! I had a dive buddy send this over to me as well. I'm not sure how crazy I am about mixing some of these chemicals so I was hoping for a more organic way to get rid of the calcium. I barely trust myself with oven cleaner.

 

[Searcaigh]

Just watched a programme on BBC world this morning about the recovery of a Dornier Do17 from the Goodwin Sands off Kent in the UK after 70+ yrs in 50 FSW.

They used a mixture of citric acid and water to wash off the marine life and crusty bits

 

[DevonDiver]

Try this link: SHIPWRECK DIVING Artifact Preservation

Also, the ANDI "Techniques of Wreck Diving' manual has a full section on artifact preservation - that's really useful.

I've always use Muriatic acid (swimming pool acid) in weak solution for a month. Followed by fresh water rinse for a month - replacing the water every few days. Got a bunch of dials/gauges from a Japanese WWII aircraft sitting in a bucket right now...