Noxon

Henry Grunder <hgrunder<-a t->leo< . >vsla< . >edu> writes

>We have been referred to a metal polish called "Noxon." Is this a
>trade name?

Noxon is a "7-metal polish" containing an abrasive and ammonia. It
is available in grocery and hardware stores. For household use, it
works well on heavily tarnished brasses of small artistic or
historical importance (modern doorknobs, etc.). The manufacturer
also recommends it for copper, chrome, stainless, steel, bronze,
pewter and aluminum. In general, museums may not be using this
product on objects because of the high ammonia content which has an
adverse long-term effect on some metals (etching, dissolving parts
of the alloy etc.).

Lynda Zycherman
Associate Conservator of Sculpture
Museum of Modern Art
New York

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:98
                  Distributed: Wednesday, May 7, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-98-001
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