Removing old cement

Julie

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Removing old cement

« on: July 09, 2010, 10:33:33 AM »

I was asked recently to give a gentleman a quote to repair and old panel he found in a barn. The piece has seen better days... much better days! I've suggested that it be re-leaded, because honestly the lead will not survive any manipulation in repairing the broken pieces. Replacing lead in only the areas where there is broken glass would stand out like the proverbial turd in the punchbowl.

A good deal of time will need to be spent in cleaning off the old cement (117 pieces in the panel). The gentleman client has suggested that I do not clean off the old cement in an effort to save time and money and keep that antique-y look. That option does not set well for me.

My thoughts are that the old cement would interfere with the glass setting properly inside the new lead channels and could consequently cause the new cement to not adhere properly. Is this a valid argument or am I being too particular?

Julie


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Julie

Tod B.

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2010, 11:54:12 AM »

Hard to say for sure, but it is possible that old cement will interfere with releading. Some folks use a "tray" in which to soak the panel while disassembling it. Once taken apart, the glass can be soaked in a mild soap solution and carefully cleaned off as long as it's not painted. That's a whole 'nother kettle of fish!

Does a lot of glass need replacing? One well-known restorer advocates the use of gentle steam cleaning. I think Rebecca has a steamer she has used. If most of the glass is intact, and the leads fairly sound, I'd look into a simpler cleaning & repair rather than releading.

BTW: I'm always suspicious about "clients" who advocate cutting corners to cut costs. Who's the expert, anyway?

- Tod

PS: Must admit, I'm not familiar with the proverb to which you allude. Maybe just as well....


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Hartache

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2010, 06:34:56 PM »

I would not want to leave the old putty on the glass. If it's not painted, soaking and/or ammonia usually helps. If it'spainted, test it before you do anything.

Rebecca


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Julie

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2010, 10:00:20 AM »

Thank you for the responses. There is no painted glass involved... that is outside my realm! I refer those out to someone else!

Tod, I agree about clients wanting to cut corners, it makes me suspicious as well. Especially after picking the piece up at his home... it certainly does not appear that he is hurting for money! But I also can respect the fact that he is trying to get the best deal he can... maybe he is just a great price negotiator which is why he has a fabulous house with fabulous furnishings!

After talking to my hubby about it last night, I've decided to tell my client that cutting corners would be compromising my standards in the work that I do and I'm just not willing to do that on this piece.

Have a great weekend!


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Julie

Tod B.

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2010, 10:59:32 AM »

Well said, Julie!


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Hartache

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2010, 05:02:34 PM »

Here is the steamer I use. I got it at Harbor Freight. Sometimes you can find one on ebay.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=steamer

Rebecca


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Julie

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Re: Removing old cement

« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2010, 05:07:23 PM »

Thank you Rebecca! It looks like they have a store not too far from me... hopefully they have one in stock!

Julie


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Julie

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