Once I realized that the Hacienda putz houses were more numerous than I previously thought I also noticed that many of them had a real problem. They might be intact but they had long lost there luster. Upon closer examination I discovered that the discoloring and fading were due to a series of dark reddish brown splotches. With the aide of my trusty microscope I delved into the miniature world of science. To my amazement I learned that this is a familiar problem that book collectors run into all the time. Foxing and Scaling have long been responsible for the demise of many rare manuscripts and pieces of art.
I could get into a lengthy dissertation on the science of these maladies but I’m going to keep this as interesting as I can. Mildew and mold create foxing whereas scaling is an iron particle problem. Mildew and mold are caused by fungi because the house, it grows on, was exposed to water, dampness and any other form of humidity. Iron particles in the stucco (Gesso) coating of the putz house will create a growing black spot.
Let me address a couple of “Need to Know” things first. RULE #1. Before you use any of these treatments ALWAYS, and I mean, ALWAYS use the dry baking soda procedure first. This removes an dirt and dust from the surfaces that need to be \ treated. Then make sure that you blow off any residual baking soda. If you don’t remove these dirt and dust particles before you apply any liquid you will create MUD and that’s as bad as the issue we’re trying to correct.
RULE #2 Always practice on an area that wouldn’t show if these material harm the surface of the putz house being restored. (SEE FIGURE F) The back of the base or a small portion of the back roof. Only do a small area then let it dry to make sure there are no ill effects. Once you’re confident that technique works on this particular house you can proceed by doing larger areas. (SEE FIGURE F)
Materials that you’ll need to treat the foxing and scaling A. Household bleach. I use Targets “Up & Up - regular bleach concentrated” for the tougher stains. (SEE FIGURE A ) B. Hydrogen Peroxide C. Distilled Water D. Plenty of Q-Tips, and I mean lots of them. E. A very fine tipped steel pick.
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