First of all, let's try to define the surface of the doors -- they are corroded now, not patinated. They probably were patinated originally, but lack of maintenance and the insults of salting and who knows what else, have probably obliterated most, if not all, of the original finish. Bronzes, unlike unalloyed copper, typically lose surface material as they weather and deteriorate to that mottled green and black surface. These green compounds are not a "protective patina" as was found on the Statue of Liberty, for instance; they are water-soluble and wash away in the rain. There is a chance that a hidden location or two may still reveal an idea of the original patination, which often was a warm brown color or "statuary" finish. (See unweathered objects inside museums.) The term "patination" in reference to objects such as these doors and other architectural and artistic bronzes, should be considered as a purposeful, artificial coloration of the surface of the metal, induced by the application of chemicals, often catalyzed by heating the metal during application. This coloration is a "patina", it is not a coating, it is chemically altered metal -- and it should be protected by maintainable, renewable coatings such as lacquers and waxes. I definitely think that a good metals conservator should be called in. There are several here in the city and nearby that do this kind of work. One or two "contractors" also may have this capability, but please stay away from the Remco/StuartDean types -- this is out of their league. Hope this helps. Bruce Popkin > -----Original Message----- > From: Met History [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] > Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 6:54 PM > To: [log in to unmask] > Subject: Preservation question: clean facade, but leave the bronze? > > Carrere & Hastings designed a 1909 townhouse at 69 East 79th Street (NYC) > for George Rives, now occupied by the Greek consulate. The Consul General > has just finished cleaning the limestone facade and installing new/old > white > windows. But, on the stoop, he pointing to the anciently-patinaed bronze > doors (also 1909) and said "Do I clean them, like we cleaned the facade? > Then they'll just look new." > > He had three test areas: > 1. completely refinished to look nearly black > 2. completely refinished to look bright > 3. slightly polished, to yield some highlights, but leaving mostly > deeper > "bronze" color on the low points > 4. untouched, which mixes the deep green patina with salt spray and > accumulated crud > > Then he pointed to the small area which people push to get into the > building, > rubbed smooth, with that red tint that is native to old bronze. He > pointed > to that area and said "That, that's what I want - but how can I get that?" > > What should I have told him? > > Christopher Gray