I am working on cleaning 20
Roman Bronzes, they aren't Late
Roman but earlier in the Imperial era. Most are big (30mm+) and heavy.
Out of the original 20, on first inspection
1 - showed excellent detail but
had some crust/dirt in places
5 - showed partial / early signs of a detail
14 - were very dirty or crusty and showing no detail
I have been soaking them in olive oil since February, changing the oil monthly and taking them out for a scrub with a toothbrush and
dish soap
Now, I'd say after more than 3 months -
7 are showing excellent detail; with 2 looking really
good on both sides with just isolated pockets of dirt
7 are showing partial detail
6 are really showing no detail - among the 6; two are very smooth on both sides and appear to be blanks. The other 4 are rough and I can't really say for sure they are improving - one has a really blotchy
patina where the greenish color is gone
Whats next? The regime is working but I don't want to damage them (if this is possible).
Should I just keep going? Or move the
good ones to distilled water?
Opinions appreciated
Thanks
Jeff