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Collections / Antiques / Porcelain, ceramics / Taking Care of Porcelain
Taking Care of Porcelain
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What cleaners work best for Fine Porcelains? This depends on the item. First check to see if the item has a fired finish. In most cases a clay composition will have a fired, shiny, glaze finish. This is a clear glaze or combination of paint/glaze that has been applied over the clay and fired. If the item has a fired finish there are few cleaning chemicals that will damage it. If the finish is not fired, then most of the cleaning chemicals will either distort the finish by making it appear streaky or possibly remove it. If your item is an old piece and has a high gloss finish, then you can assume it is fired. I do caution to check if you are in doubt. Take a cotton swab and dip into a strong paint stripper. Apply just a little to an inconspicuous area to test. Let set 2-3 minutes and wipe off. If there is any color transfer or discoloration in the spot tested, then it does not have a fired finish. If the finish is fired then the paint stripper will not hurt the piece.

If an item has been previously restored, strong chemicals will hurt the finish. If durable lacquer paints had been properly applied in the restoration process, then these pieces can be cleaned by using milder cleaning solutions and using a little extra care.

The following is a list of cleaners that are suggested for certain finishes.

PORCELAINS: (high gloss glaze)

Any strong all purpose cleaner or soap scum removers, found in your local super market. Rinse immediately.


PORCELAINS: (bisque or un glazed)

Any strong all purpose cleaner or soap scum removers, found in your local super market. Then use a bleach spray cleaner to clean any dirt left in the tiny pours of the bisque paint. Rinse immediately.

(CAUTION) Never use a bleach spray cleaner first. Use only after an all purpose cleaner. If the bleach cleaner is used first it may set a stain, that may not be able to be removed.

PORCELAINS: (previously restored)

Use only a mild cleaning detergent. (dish) Never let soak or scrub with abrasive materials.

Supplies needed: Deep sink or tub (If a deep sink with an attached hose is available, that is ideal, if not, any large basin or tub underneath your item will work.)

Spray all purpose cleaner

Spray bleach cleaner

Long stiff brush ( width - approx. 1" )

Tooth brush (hard)

Abrasive, powder cleanser

Container of water (spray)

Large bath towel (white)

THE PROCESS:

Place item in bin or sink. Liberally spray with all purpose cleaner, starting from bottom to top. Same principle as cleaning walls, as the dirty water runs down, it will not stain the item. Take either the long handle brush or tooth brush and softly scrub areas where needed. If all dirt is not coming off, then use a little abrasive, powder cleanser and with a soft circular motion rub the area in concern. If needed, apply more pressure, being careful not to damage the finish. The long handled brush will get into those hard to reach areas.

Rinse immediately. Either using a spray attachment or by dipping item in water, remove all cleaning detergents from item. Do not let cleaner dry on piece or soak piece in cleaner. These chemicals are strong and possibly could etch the finish by leaving uneven marks in the glaze. Just stay with the piece until the final rinse is completed.

Place on towel and let excess water drip off.

Place item back in washing area and liberally spray with a bleach cleaner. This will get into all those hard to reach areas. It will whiten porcelain bisque. This step may not be needed on items with a high glaze and that are uniform in shape. (i.e. plates) This step is mostly needed when an item has intricate parts. (i.e. the flowers on a Meissen figurine)

Rinse immediately. Repeat previous rinse step. Place on towel to air dry.

TROUBLED AREAS:

* In the event your item did not come clean, then it should be taken to the professional. There are many chemicals that will remove debris and stains. It would be best to have the professional attend to these needs.

* If an item has been previously glued, a strong stripper can be used to dissolve the old glues. These products can be purchased in your local hardware store. Make sure you ask for a strong stripper, the ones you wear gloves with and have a water source close by.

* If the item has been previously restored and only cleaning is needed, then follow the same procedure, only using a mild cleaning agent and never let soak or scrub with an abrasive cleaner.

* To remove the stains that occur with age and form a crazing pattern or to remove the darkness from an age crack or crack, the steps are as follows:

1) Check for previous restoration. If so, bring to a professional.

2) Clean item as outlined above.

3) Place the item in a plastic container; larger than the item.

4) Pour in hydrogen peroxide (40% volume) and cover the stained area or if the stain is all over, completely cover the item, Let soak. It may take 10 - 15 minutes or 48 - 72 hours. Patience will bring about the desired results.

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