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Historic Preservation - Technical Procedures

Spectitle:
Cleaning Door Hardware

Procedure code:
0870002R

Source:
National Capitol Region Specifications

Division:
Doors And Windows

Section:
Hardware

Last Modified:
02/24/2012

Details:
Cleaning Door Hardware



CLEANING DOOR HARDWARE


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01     SUMMARY

        A.   This procedure includes guidance on cleaning door
             hardware associated with the restoration of the finish on
             wood doors.

        B.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
             reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines
             cover the following sections:

             1.   Safety Precautions

             2.   Historic Structures Precautions

             3.   Submittals

             4.   Quality Assurance

             5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

             6.   Project/Site Conditions

             7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

             8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

             These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
             this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
             along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
             Preservation Officer (RHPO).  

1.02     SUBMITTALS

        A.   Product Data: Submit manufacturer's product literature
             and instructions to the Contracting Officer's
             Representative for all cleaning materials.

1.03     PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS

        A.   Environmental Requirements:  Daily dispose of all used
             solutions, finishing products, solvent residue and soiled
             rags in sealed noncombustible containers to prevent a
             fire hazard.  
       

PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01     MATERIALS

        A.   Solvent:  Mineral spirits, turpentine, or denatured
             alcohol.

             Mineral Spirits:

             1.   A petroleum distillate that is used especially as a
                  paint or varnish thinner.

             2.   Other chemical or common names include Benzine* (not
                  Benzene); Naphtha*; Petroleum spirits*; Solvent
                  naphtha*.

             3.   Potential Hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.

             4.   Safety Precautions:

                  a.   AVOID REPEATED OR PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT.

                  b.   ALWAYS wear rubber gloves when handling
                       mineral spirits.

                  c.   If any chemical is splashed onto the skin,
                       wash immediately with soap and water.

             5.   Available from construction specialties
                  distributor, hardware store, paint store, or
                  printer's supply distributor.

             Turpentine:

             1.   Typically used as a solvent and thinner.

             2.   Potential Hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.

             3.   Safety Precautions:

                  a.   Work in a well ventilated area.  

                  b.   Observe safety rules as turpentine is
                       flammable, and the fumes can trip an
                       ionization smoke detection system.  

                  c.   Store soiled cloths in a metal safety
                       container to guard against spontaneous
                       combustion.

                  d.   Available from hardware store or paint store.

             Denatured Alcohol:

             1.   Other chemical or common names include Methylated
                  spirit*.

             2.   Potential hazards:  TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.

             3.   Available from hardware store, paint store or
                  printer's supply distributor.

             4.   Denatured alcohol should be a satisfactory
                  substitute for ethyl alcohol for stain removing
                  purposes.

        B.   Cloths:  Clean, soft, lint-free cotton.

        C.   Mild Soap:  "Ivory Liquid", "Joy", or equal.

        D.   Silicon carbide abrasive pads such as "Scotch-Brite" (3M
             Company) or standard commercially available pumice stone;
             or stainless steel wool.  Do not use steel wool, which
             may promote discoloration of the bronze.
       
        E.   Oxidizing Agent:  Aluminum chloride or liquid sulphur.
       
2.02     EQUIPMENT

        A.   Brushes:  Soft, natural animal hair bristle.


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01     PREPARATION

        A.   Surface Preparation:  Carefully remove hardware.  Store
             in a secure location for reinstallation after refinishing
             is complete.

3.02     ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

        A.   Carefully remove adhesive residue, and paint and varnish
             drips using paint stripper applied with soft cloths.  If
             necessary, apply light pressure using natural bristle
             brush.

        B.   Retain statuary finish on door bronze knobs.  Do not
             apply solvents which may remove patina.
             
        C.   Clean bronze and stainless steel door knobs, escutcheon
             plates, and kickplates using mild soap and water.  

        D.   For stubborn dirt and hard to clean areas, apply
             detergent with "Scotch-Brite" pad.  Refinish areas of
             bright metal work with oxidizing agent, to match the
             existing cleaned statuary finish. Rinse thoroughly and
             buff dry with soft cotton cloths.

        E.   Re-install hardware upon completion of door refinishing.

                         END OF SECTION