Re: Ultrasonic cleaners...

[Pawel Karaszkiewicz <zekarasz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This device is simplified version of an ultrasonic apparatus dentists use
for plaque removal. We experimented a little with this sort of tool  on
textiles, paintings and glass.It is a very powerful tool and we found it too aggresive for maiority of
conservation tasks. As ultrasonic energy is locally quite high, it can
ruin  weak fibers. An interesting, was removal of black corrosion crust
from silver threads. Due to vibrations, black scales just jumped off from
threads, but the tool was difficult to control. Summing up - ultrasonic
cleaning although possible is, in my opinion,  too risky for usual
conservation work.

> There is a new product on the market to remove stains. (see websites:
>
> http://kutv.com/billbuy/local_story_188152144.html
>
> http://shop.store.yahoo.com/kitchenhome/tibuulstre.html ) It reminds me
> of an experimental project years ago at the Costume Institute (under a
> previous management) that unsuccessfully tried to clean with an
> ultrasonic bath--but has anyone tried this device and checked it
> against stress/strain before & after?