Electrolysis

Electrolysis, used alone or with other techniques, makes the cleaning of the surfaces of certain soft metals, such as lead or silver, possible. It also allows the cleaning of metallic surfaces that are inaccessible by other means, such as the interior of a bronze cannon.
Correctly employed, this technique is immensely helpful in the cleaning of particular metals. Most importantly, it stabilizes and decontaminates them, because of the effect it has on chlorites, which occur in great quantities in ancient metals.

The difference in the charge of a negative pole (object), and a positive pole (wire mesh) produces a reaction in the electrodes, a reduction process on the object with the generation of hydrogen, and oxidation on the wire mesh, accompanied by the production of oxygen.

Dechlorination with electrolysis treatment applied to an emblazoned bronze cannon

Applying electrolysis: the cannon is enclosed in a wire mesh.

Three steel cathodes (negative pole) are placed in contact with the cannon through a wire mesh, serving as anode (positive pole).

Cannon before treatment.

Cannon after treatment.

Restoration : Arc'Antique

Photos : Arc'Antique / Jean-Gabriel Aubert