>I am very curious to learn if there exists a technique for whitening old,
>yellowed porcelain that involves heating it in conjunction with hydrogen
>peroxide.  Is this a silly notion or apt to work?  Would appreciate some
>guidance.
>John McDonald
>Yale Art Gallery
>New Haven, CT


John,

I haven't heard of this one before, but in my flea market days we used to
soak old crazed pieces in water with bleach to lighten them up and
eliminate the crackle look. Do not try this on a valuable piece, and follow
up by soaking in plain water. I'm sure this is toxic and not
conservatorially correct, so I'm including it as anecdotal, not as a
recommendation--I don't want to start another firestorm like the one
occasioned by the person who mentioned cleaning silver with mashed
potatoes!

ivy

Ivy Fleck Strickler                     Phone 215-895-1637
Drexel University                       Fax 215-895-4917
Nesbitt College of Design Arts          [log in to unmask]
Philadelphia, PA 19104

"Never forget that life is like a Fellini movie, and you're getting to see
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