E.7 REMOVING AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS
As is the case with other materials, the tiling at Punta Begoña has been affected by airborne pollutants. Their impact here involves different colour stains, the result of a combination of heat and damp that has led to the growth of colonies of microorganisms. We can distinguish between these stains and the lime because of their brown and blackish colour, and by the fact they are found in more exposed areas.
We have once again resorted to testing to design the protocols for our action, which have enabled us to restore the tiles. We have gone through the following stages:
- Stage 1: inspection of the area to be treated.
- Stage 2: start of work by applying a specific stripper for removing airborne pollutants.
- Stage 3: gentle rubbing with natural bristle brushes made of plant material to blend the product with the pollutants.
- Stage 4: removal of the product by scraping off the layer of pollutants.
Process of removing airborne pollutants: stage 1 inspection of the area to be treated in the north-west gallery (left) and stage 2 application of the chosen stripper (right), 2017. Source: Project for showcasing the Punta Begoña Galleries
Process of removing airborne pollutants: stage 3 rubbing the surface with airborne pollutants (left) and stage 4 removal of the mixture of the stripper and pollutants (right), 2017. Source: Project for showcasing the Punta Begoña Galleries