Cleaning a stone?

Horse Stone 1

Image by Nick Cole

whatisthat Sep 19, 2006 07:33:57

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/51376

> The stone needs cleaning, which will be a future project.

Cleaning? Project? Any info would be appreciated Nick.

moss Sep 19, 2006 07:40:54

Replying to whatisthat

It does sound rather drastic, the site has obviously been cleared though of undergrowth, but stone cleaning is something else.

Littlestone Sep 19, 2006 07:57:42

Replying to whatisthat

Cleaning sounds a bit worrying actually. If Nick sees this thread he might consider giving the British Museum's Conservation Department a call - they're really helpful. He should ask for the Head of the Stones Section of the Conservation Department.

Rhiannon Sep 19, 2006 08:06:14

Replying to whatisthat

Would there be a need to clean any stones that have just got a bit of algae / moss / lichen / peat marks on? Even ones daubed with paint look better after a while in the outdoors.

Grendel Sep 20, 2006 18:14:43

Replying to whatisthat

There is guidance on the English Heritage website on cleaning stone but it is more in relation to human vandalism and more modern (!) structures.

nigelswift Sep 20, 2006 19:12:06

Replying to whatisthat

Unsightly lichen can be removed from ancient stones using household bleach, but remember to wear gloves.

Oh, and it would be as well to read this before buying either the bleach or the gloves -
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/cpsu/endlich.html