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Air/Water Abrasive Cleaning of This article is reproduced from

The Building Conservation

Stone and Brickwork Directory, 1996

Author
Nicola Ashurst introduces one of the most widely used techniques for the NICOLA ASHURST trained as
a conservation architect in
cleaning of masonry Sydney and Rome. Following
five years with the Research
The decision to clean an historic building is not one which should be made lightly, as cleaning
and Technical Advisory Service
can have significant physical and visual results. A period of detailed investigation must be
of English Heritage, she has
undertaken to determine whether cleaning should be undertaken and, if so, the details of how
operated her own consultancy,
this should be done. The nature and condition of all substrates must be understood, not
Adriel Consultancy,
forgetting pointing materials, as must the soiling to be removed. The latter may include
specialising in the repair,
atmospheric soiling, paint, limewash, metallic staining, anti-pigeon gel and graffiti. Each can
conservation and cleaning of
require a different cleaning approach or at least modifications to the system selected for use
traditional external masonry
elsewhere.
materials. Her most recent
Every cleaning system can be used correctly or incorrectly. Poor cleaning should not be technical writing is the two-
blamed on poor application alone as it is often the result of incorrect selection of a process. volume publication, Cleaning
Glossy trade literature is no guarantee of correct selection. The design of a cleaning regime for Historic Buildings (Donhead,
Paint is being removed from this an historic building is often deceptively complex, requiring specialist professional input. 1994). Nicola Ashurst acts as a
glazed terracotta head using very consultant to the Architectural
fine calcium carbonate abrasive,
low abrasive/air/water flow rates, The purpose of cleaning is to remove soiling, often a source of long-term deterioration to Conservation Branch of
at a pump pressure of 5 psi and a masonry, while causing little or no disruption of the masonry beneath. This can be difficult to English Heritage.
working distance of 375mm. It is
presented to demonstrate the achieve due to the intimate relationship between the stone and its soiling, as the soiling can be
versatility and sensitivity of some embedded deeply in between the surface particles.
abrasive cleaning systems. (This Further information
is not a general recommendation
Several published sources now exist which outline the basic constituents of various historic
for the use of abrasive cleaning of RELATED ARTICLES
masonry materials and the susceptibilities of these to selective cleaning procedures. Previous
terracotta which is now known to
be extremely sensitive to damage
by abrasive cleaning.) experience must also come into play in assessing surface conditions and characteristics Cleaning
particular to the job at hand. The basic principles of any cleaning process must be determined
if it is to be considered for use. Works should be undertaken by skilled supervisors and operatives from specialist Masonry
masonry firms experienced in the cleaning of historic masonry. Stone
Air abrasive cleaning systems are usually considered when soiling is not water-soluble and when, for reasons of site RELATED PRODUCTS AND
logistics or material incompatibility, chemical processes are inappropriate or less preferable. SERVICES
A wide range of air abrasive techniques is currently available. These include a variety of machines, nozzles and Masonry cleaning:
abrasives from Hodge Clemco, Neokleen, Liquabrade, JOS and the suppliers of pencil abrasive techniques. Some larger air/water abrasive
scale equipment can be used in a very versatile and sensitive manner.

All air abrasive techniques operate by directing particles of abrasive onto the soiled masonry in a stream of compressed Masonry cleaning products and
air. Cleaning is accomplished by impingement of the particles which dislodge or pulverise the surface layer of the materials
masonry. This may be the layer of soiling or the stonework or brickwork to which it is attached. Most systems also involve
the use of water, either additional to the air/abrasive stream or combined as a slurry with the abrasive. The main effect of
the introduction of water is to reduce dust (both dry and wet abrasive systems clean in a similar manner), although the
mist produced is still a health hazard.

Air abrasive cleaning techniques are most successful on surfaces of even profile and consistent surface texture and
hardness. An air abrasive stream cannot on its own differentiate between the removal of soiling and the removal of
masonry. Nor can it distinguish portions of masonry which are closer to the nozzle from those further away or areas of
masonry which are softer. Damage to the masonry can only be avoided through the skill and ability of the operator to
make the necessary adjustments in technique. Site Map
Air abrasive cleaning is usually most successful on plain stone surfaces of even hardness. Careful use can enable the © Cathedral Communications
technique to be employed on moulded and some carved stone surfaces. However it is difficult to successfully clean Limited 2010
brickwork by abrasive means without any damage, due to the many variations in surface texture and hardness that are
often present and due to the intolerance of many bricks to its impact. The removal of hard, traditional paints can rarely be
achieved successfully from any masonry surface using air abrasives.

In the normal use of abrasive cleaning, two factors are of utmost importance; the velocity and the concentration of the
particles which impact on the surfaces. These parameters are controlled by the pressure and volume of the air flow and
the concentration of abrasive feed into the line. It is therefore not adequate to specify pressure alone. Important
parameters will also include the size of the abrasive particle, its shape and its hardness. Commonly available abrasives
for facade cleaning include aluminium silicate, calcium silicate, olivine and calcium carbonate. More specialist materials
are also available, particularly for pencil abrasive equipment used by conservators.

Nozzle shape, nozzle size, rate of water flow and working distance must also be established.

It is usually best to determine the many parameters relating to abrasive cleaning on site when all soiling types, the degree
of soiling and masonry conditions can be properly assessed. Specific advice such as recommended pressures and

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abrasive types cannot be given here as they are only a few of the many variables which must be determined, as already
described. However, the following general principles can be applied:

i) Smaller particles of the same abrasive type can be less damaging than larger ones, used in the same manner.
ii) Harder abrasives can be more damaging than softer abrasives of the same size, used in the same manner.
iii) A higher concentration of abrasive particles can be more damaging than a lower concentration, all other factors
being equal.
iv) Higher air pressure and volume can be more damaging than lower air pressure and volume, all other factors
being equal.
v) A closer working distance between the end of the nozzle and the masonry can be more damaging than a greater
one, all other factors being equal.
vi) Depending on how they are used, some small scale abrasive systems can be as or more damaging than larger
scale systems.
vii) Differences in technique will be required for plain and carved surfaces, sound and deteriorated conditions.

General recommendations cannot be made in relation to air abrasive cleaning, any more than with any other cleaning
approach. Pre-contract on-site trials are always recommended for the cleaning of historic masonry. These should be
overseen by an experienced professional who can observe and assess the effects of each procedure and produce a
detailed specification for the works.

Recommended Reading
• C Andrew et al, Stone Cleaning: A Guide for Practitioners, Historic Scotland, 1994
• N Ashurst, Cleaning Historic Buildings, Volumes 1 and 2, Donhead, London, 1994
• British Standards Institution BS 6270: Code of practice for cleaning and surface repair of buildings, Part 1, BSI,
London, 1982
• Technical Pamphlet 4: Cleaning Brick and Stone, SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), London,
1994
• ME Weaver and FG Matero, Conserving Buildings: A Guide to Techniques and Materials, John Wiley, New York,
1993
• RGM Webster, Stone Cleaning and the Nature, Soiling and Decay Mechanisms of Stone, Donhead, London, 1992

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