Cleaning And Polishing Bronze Elevator Doors And Cabs

PART 1–GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

A. This procedure includes guidance on the general cleaning and polishing of bronze elevator doors and cab walls. More detailed guidance is provided in several other bronze cleaning procedures. These have been noted, when applicable, and should be referenced in conjunction with this procedure.

B. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:

1. Safety Precautions
2. Historic Structures Precautions
3. Submittals
4. Quality Assurance
5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
6. Project/Site Conditions
7. Sequencing and Scheduling
8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)
   
   These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

PART 2–PRODUCTS

2.01 MANUFACTURERS

A. J.A. Wright & Co.
62 Dunbar Street
Keene, NH 03431
603/352-2625

2.02 MATERIALS

A. Lemon oil

B. Mineral oil

C. Wax (silicone or furniture wax)

D. Liquid brass cleaner (contain a very fine abrasive) such as “Brasso”, “Noxon”, “Golden Glow”, “Wright’s Brass Cleaner and Polish” (J.A. Wright & Co.), or approved equal.

NOTE: THESE WORK WELL ON TARNISH, BUT CAN LEAVE BEHIND A RESIDUE THAT WILL BUILD UP IN JOINTS OR CARVED AREAS IF NOT COMPLETELY REMOVED.

E. Mild detergent

F. Clean, soft cloths

G. Clean, potable water

2.03 EQUIPMENT

A. Scotchbrite Type “A”

PART 3–EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

A. Protection:

1. Ensure that the elevator is parked in place before proceeding with cleaning and polishing operations.
2. Keep elevator doors open at all times, except when cleaning the inside of the cab doors; make sure the elevator fan is turned on and remains running throughout the work operations.
3. Cover and protect floor under work area using tarpaulins or towels.
4. Take care not to spill fluids or sprays on elevator push buttons, key switches or door reopening sensors.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

A. For Natural Finish:

1. Cleaning: Remove dirt and finger marks from the surface by wiping weekly with a light coat of wax on a clean, soft cloth. Lemon oil or mineral oil may also be used.
2. Polishing:
   
   • Rub the surfaces lightly using a scotchbrite pad saturated with lemon oil or mineral oil. Rub in the direction of the grain or sanding lines.
     
   • Wipe the surface dry with a clean, soft cloth. To retard oxidation, treat the cloth with either wax, lemon oil or mineral oil before wiping the surface dry.
3. See also 05010-01-P for guidance on cleaning and polishing bronze.

B. For Mirror Finish:

1. Cleaning: Remove adhesive residue or dirt by wiping the surface with a clean, soft cloth treated with a bronze mirror finish cleaner.
2. Polishing: Polish the surface using a cloth treated with liquid brass cleaner. DO NOT USE ABRASIVE POLISHES ON MIRROR FINISH BRONZE. THEY MAY PERMANENTLY MAR THE SURFACE FINISH.
3. See also 05010-03-P, 05010-10-P and 05010-12-P for guidance on cleaning, polishing and protecting brass finishes.

C. For Statuary Finish: (Oxidized bronze with a protective finish such as “Perma-cote #62”). NOTE: This type of coating may last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on its location relative to amount of public contact.

1. Cleaning:
   
   • Dust weekly with a clean soft cloth.
     
   • For stubborn dirt, clean periodically with a damp rag soaked in a mild soap and warm water. Always wipe in the direction of the grain or finish sanding lines.
2. See also 05010-22-R for guidance on cleaning and oiling statuary bronze finishes.

D. For Lacquer Finish:

1. Cleaning: Clean as above for statuary finish.
2. If lacquer coating becomes oxidized, it will need to be replaced. See 05010-11-R for guidance on repairing a scratched or worn Incralac coating on bronze.
3. See also 05010-24-R for guidance on refinishing bronze features.